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!