Japan (3) Philosopher's Path

When: April 17, 2007
Where: Kyoto
Words: Ancient-School Moves / Sumimasen

entering the path

Each tree along the Philosopher's Path is tagged with a number and given a name. No idea if the koi get similar respect.

three seventy-four

Ginkakuji Temple

There are oodles of temple detours along the path. On the way to Ginkakuji, we passed up some delicious treats—like a pink octopus that's just so crazy, he looks happy to be eaten.

and he's wearing some kind of headband

I wonder what would happen if I ever put this much green tea in my body. In ice cream form, no less. Permanent brain freeze?

big ol' cone

path to ginkakuji

Temples are neat, but it's really all about the gardens.

view from ginkakuji garden

"the tower that faces the moon"

cornerstone

sand sculpture

This is a drain cover, believe it or not. Kyoto gets mad style points.

If there's one thing I've never taken seriously enough, it's moss. Until now.

very important moss

Tossing coins into water for luck seems to be a universal pastime, but in Japan, you're supposed to aim. If you miss the rock—no luck for you!

water scrilla

Nanzenji Temple

At the second temple we visited, I was most taken with the giant aqueduct near the entrance. It's crumbly and old and lovely to wander through.

aqueduct empty

aqueduct filled / © Jonathan Lipman

Back on the path, we accidentally walked through a movie set with about 50 young people and a special effects van. They didn't exactly add to the tranquility, but it was still pretty cool.