Heian Shrine Garden and The Ninja House

An active weekend had two highlights – a visit to Heian Shrine and its famous Japanese Garden, and a trip to Nojo Jinya, the mysterious Ninja House!

I met Sarah on Saturday at the massive 30m (とり) just south of Heian Shrine. Built just over 100 years ago, this Shrine doesn’t compete with most of Kyoto’s old buildings vis a vis age. However, it’s massively popular. Arriving late, we had time to see a Japanese wedding party being photographed, the bride resplendent in white, before heading into the adjacent garden. 花見 season, during which 桜 are in full bloom, is drawing to a close; now the cherry trees are increasingly adorned in Summer green. A last chance to savour the sakura was appreciated, as I haven’t been about that much during hanami season this year (なぜ　寒かったですよ!)

日 曜日 took me across town to Nijo St, where Mrs Yamada brought myself, Colleen, Lliam and Jane sama to see Nijo Jinya. Known to many as The Ninja House, this 24-room building housed the Daimyo – the feudal lord – in pre-modern times. The daimyo’s vassals were required to visit him as part of the feudal agreement. This at times made him very unpopular among those he controlled – and control them the Daimyo did (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daimyo). The house itself is a warren of secret passageways, sliding doorways, concealed panels and deceptive stairways. It is a physical composite of the architectural conventions of the time (incorporating, for example, a Noh Stage, a tea-room, reception rooms and so on) matched with the practicality of protecting the Daimyo from unruly vassals or their associated bent on assassination. Sadly, photography was　completely だめ, but that didn’t stop us from getting trigger happy outside. 山田先生 got down to some serious Ninja style!

Mount Hiei

On Saturday 22nd I took the opportunity to visit Mount Hiei, Kyoto's highest mountain. The guide books had good things to say about Enryakuji Temple, once home to a powerful Buddhist sect. So influential were these monks that, according to Judith Clancy, they were ordered destroyed by the Imperial Court. Myself and Ronan ascended the mountain via cable-car and ropeway, and walked through the misty forests, passing hushed graveyards and catching fleeting glances of the surrounding hills through the fog as we went.　アメリカのSarahさんと会いましたーよかった！一緒にHiei山のお寺やもりを見ました。彼女は日本についてビデオを作りますーがんばってSarah様！！

Back Online

Well folks, I will try to get back to normal after an amazing trip down to the Philippines. I started in Cebu, well south of Manila and over the course of a ten day trip saw the best of Cebu island. I completed an open-water PADI dive course, visited some impressive waterfalls, relaxed on the beach and played basketball and soccer with the locals. I'll unfold the events via the blog here in the next wee while but for now, 写真を楽しんでください！明日日本語であっぷデートをします！