Traditional Japan, between refinement and zenitude

Japanese culture has fascinated the West for centuries. A journey to the land of the rising sun will immerse you in traditional Japan with the luxurious kimonos of Geishas, the codified ritual of the tea ceremony, the minimalist lines of Zen gardens, and the refined aesthetics of traditional homes. It's also an opportunity to discover all the Zen philosophy that characterizes the Japanese way of life. Even in the heart of bustling cities, there is always room for calm and tradition.
A trip to Japan will introduce you to this culture that is so different and so refined.

The Zen Gardens of Kyoto

Zen is a Buddhist school that was established in Japan in the 12th century. To put it "simply," the goal of Zen is to achieve enlightenment or understanding of the fundamental nature of man. This movement gave rise to many forms of art, including garden art. Gardens conducive to silence and contemplation.

The Rock Garden of Ryoan-ji

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this 15th-century garden, the dry garden of Ryoan-ji Temple, leaves visitors in full contemplation, with nothing to disturb this mineral view.

In Japan, garden design is an important and respected art. Zen gardens are composed of rocks, moss, and gravel. ?tdub_video #zengarden #traveljapan #explorejapan #nippon #japaneseculture #zentemple #exploretheworld #letsgosomewhere #neverstopexploring

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The Zen Garden of Tofuku-ji

Located south of Kyoto, the temple is magnificent with its many buildings and its four exceptional gardens.
The Tofukuji Temple is a reference in Zen Buddhism in Japan.
In autumn, the temple is sublime when maples change color. The best viewpoint to admire the hundreds of Momijis (Japanese maples) is undoubtedly from Tsutenkyo Bridge.
The Hojo, one of the main buildings of Tofukuji Temple founded in 1235, was rebuilt in 1890, and the gardens arranged in the four quarters around the Hojo building were designed in 1939 by Mr. Mirei Shigemori (a famous garden designer), who wanted to express the simplicity of Zen from the Kamakura period with the abstract construction of modern arts.

The Gingaku-ji or Silver Temple

This temple holds a special place in the hearts of Japanese people.
As soon as you pass through the temple gates, Kôgetsudai surprises you: a two-meter-high sand mound reminiscent of Mount Fuji (Fuji San).
The Ginkakuji site is especially interesting for its gardens. Visitors are invited to take a height to better admire it below: A dry garden and a magnificent moss garden winding along a hillside.

Ryokan, Stay in Traditional Japan

During a trip to Japan, spending a few nights in a Ryokan is the simplest way to discover and appreciate the traditional Japanese way of life. Thus, it will allow you to sleep in the most Japanese way possible: a futon rolled out on a tatami.
But to fully enjoy this immersion, it's essential to respect some basic rules, such as removing your shoes before entering the Ryokan. A small hall is reserved for this purpose where you'll find storage for your shoes and slippers you can borrow for indoors use.
Be careful; inside the room, you shouldn't walk in slippers but barefoot. The partitions are sliding and very light. Discretion is therefore essential if you don't want to disturb your neighbors...
The Ryokan also provides Yukatas (light cotton kimonos) for guests to feel comfortable. These inns generally offer breakfast and dinner (included in the price).

Tea Houses

If you don't have the opportunity to sleep in a Ryokan (which would be unfortunate during a stay in Japan), it is possible to visit restored old houses. It's another way to soak up traditional Japanese interiors.

Ochaya, Traditional Tea House

In Kanazawa, in the Higashi Chaya district, don't miss visiting a tea house converted into a museum. The Shima tea house is listed as an important cultural heritage of Japan.

Shogunzuka, Artistic Tea House

In Kyoto, there is a little-known place among tourists, Mount Higashiyama. A magnificent spot located at an altitude of 220 m offering the best view to admire the ancient imperial city.
At this location, in 2015, a contemporary glass tea house called “Kōan” (光庵 “The Shelter of Light”) by designer Yoshioka Tokujin was created. The work was meant to be ephemeral but reflects such a perfect image of Japanese cultural origins that the project was extended indefinitely.

The site lends itself perfectly to the tea ceremony, an art born from appreciating nature and its cycles.

Two days before "Kyoto Ichie" takes place at its venue, we are holding meetings repeatedly towards it. Here is an image taken last year shortly before welcoming our guests. #takamibridal #kyotoichie #shogunzuka #seiryuden #kyotojapan #kyoto #kyototrip #kyototravel #visitkyoto #beautifulkyoto #kyotogram #kyotographie #ilovekyoto #kyotofood #kyotostyle

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To get there, you'll need to take a taxi from town.

The Tea Ceremony: A Codified Ritual

The tea ceremony, also called Sadō, is an aesthetic ritual where powdered green tea is prepared and tasted. The ceremony involves not only tasting the beverage but also appreciating the whole experience through all five senses.
Thus, from start to finish, a series of codified steps are faithfully followed.
The host prepares powdered green tea and guests receive this hospitality. They respect and follow rules as the ceremony unfolds.