Bamboo Dreams—Hidden Temples

If you want to escape Kyoto’s crowds for a bit, Daikaku-ji Temple is the place to go. Once an imperial villa, it became a sacred retreat way back in 876 A.D. Today it’s nestled beside Osawa-no-ike, one of Japan’s oldest man-made lakes. The setting is peaceful, and the reflection of the temple on the water is pure magic.

It reminded me a little of the famous Golden Pavilion—except without the mobs of tourists and school kids! While the Golden Pavilion buzzes with selfie sticks and tour groups, Daikaku-ji flies under the radar. Aside from a small wedding going on (with a Buddhist priest presiding), we practically had the place to ourselves.

There’s also a bamboo forest here that is not surrounded by the crowds. It’s a little smaller and a little quieter than the one at Tenryu-Ji. Not so spectacular. Not so showy. But quiet and full of wonder.Read more