Fall color in Arashiyama, Kyoto

fallen leaves on the moss garden garden. The contrast is breathtaking.

I went to Kyoto to enjoy the scenes in brilliant fall color last weekend.  This time, I mainly visited Arashiyama and Sagano district, which is located west part of Kyoto, 20 minutes by train from the center.  The region used to be a resort for the noble in the Heian period (794~1185) . 

As you stand and look around on the Togetsukyo bridge (it means moon crossing bridge), which is an landmark of Arashiyama, you can easily imagine the way how Heian people appreciated the beauty of the nature in every season.  Floating a boat on the Katusra river, they must have adored autumn leaves and cherry blossoms, as well.

Arashiyama is also famous for the place where “the Ogura Anthology of One Hundred Tanka-poems by One Hundred Poets” was edited by Teika Fujiwara (1162-1241).  The poem bellow is the one that depicts how mesmerizing the fall color in Arashiyama is.

小倉山　峰のもみぢ葉こころあらば　いまひとたびの　みゆき待たなん

If the maple leaves

On Ogura mountain

Could only have hearts,

They would longingly await

The emperor's pilgrimage.

Fortunately, the maple leaves seemed to have hearts, and we were able to catch the last blaze of color.

Gio-ji

There are some beautiful temples in Arashiyama and my favorite one is Gio-ji, a Shingon Buddihism nunnery.  

In Heike-monogatari (the Tale of the Heike), there is a story that is related to this temple.  A Shirabyoshi dancer Gio was loved by Taira no Kiyomori but was dumped when he was attracted to another Shirabyoshi, Hotoke-Gozen.  Gio, her sister Ginyo and their mother Toji left Kiyomori and afterwards they entered a nunnery that is present day Gio-ji.  It was when Gio was 21 years old.

Sagagiku, a kind of chrysanthemum named after Saga emperor who loved this flower.

This is exactly a red carpet.

It’s a small temple, but fallen leaves on the moss garden are breathtaking.

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Photo manias

Right now, I’m hooked on taking photos.  It’s really fun to take a stroll around my neighborhood with my camera.  My pictures are record of my life and I enjoy shooting flowers, clouds, scenes, just about any every day occurrences.

When it comes to the result, my pictures are not as good as what I wanted to have.  Somebody might say; you’ll pick it up as you go along.  That’s true, but I hope it doesn’t take very long to be a skilled non-professional photographer.

Fortunately enough, I had this opportunity that dramatically improve my photo shooting skills by hanging out with some photo manias.  I enjoyed walking and shooting with some photo manias who are versed in both equipment and techniques.  It was very nice for me to see what kind of cameras they use, how they find their interesting objects and how they frame their images into their photos.  I’ve learned a lot from them.

Speaking about equipment, people prefer to use hi-spec cameras as they get more skillful. The cameras the photo manias own are obviously single-lens reflex.  Besides, most of them carry multiple lenses and use them apart depending on the image they pursue.  I’d like to think that good photographs don’t always come from a hi-spec camera, but I might as well buy a new one with a high caliber.

After the walk, we showed our best shot to each other.  We were at the same place at the same time and we all saw the same things, but we felt different ways.  It was exciting to know there are a variety of ways of perceiving this world.  That’s the real thrill of taking photos.  

↓Thank you very much for your click.

にほんブログ村