Oh, again. head hurts. She's in a lot of pain...
Headaches are a daily occurrence for me. But this time it's long. This is bad.
With SOS from my body, I finally realized that I was tired. All right, this needs to be degassed. At times like this, let's get away from Tokyo for the time being!
With that in mind, I chose Kyoto in the summer.
It literally looks hot. Many people may have such an image.
However, when the JR Tokai commercial was revived for the first time in two and a half years, and I heard that breezy phrase, I couldn't think of a destination other than Kyoto. I immediately started preparing for the trip.
What is the charm of "Kyoto in summer"?
"Yes Kyoto, let's go."
Invited by the slogan that everyone has heard, I went to Kyoto on a whim. I'm kind of excited.
In the summer of 2022, JR Tokai is holding an event where you can enjoy the coolness of Kyoto under the theme of "searching for the coolness of Kyoto" so that you can discover the charm of a new "summer Kyoto". This time, I would like to visit such recommended spots of JR Tokai.
Kenninji Temple where you can fully enjoy the tranquility
The first place I visited was Kenninji Temple, which was also used as the stage for the commercial. Founded by Eisai Zenji in the Kamakura period, this temple is said to own the famous "Fujin Raijin-zu Folding Screen" (currently, the original has been deposited at the Kyoto National Museum, and a high-definition reproduction is available at Kenninji Temple. are exhibited).
Even if you don't know Kenninji Temple, many of you may know Fujin Raijin.
If you go further inside the temple, there is a garden called "Choontei". It is a garden that is said to be beautiful from any direction.
You can sit on the porch, so if you find the best angle, we recommend that you sit back and enjoy the view in peace.
Kenninji is a place where you can enjoy this tranquility while being within walking distance from Gion-Shijo Station. Unfortunately, it was raining on that day, as I am a rain woman, but the sound of the rain echoed in the silence, and the appearance of the drops falling on the Sanson stone placed in the center was very graceful.
In addition, the inside of the hall is well-ventilated and has plenty of shade, making it a comfortable place to visit even in the summer. The colorful green leaves and moss were so beautiful, it was a scenery that I wanted to look at forever.
Kenninji also has other gardens such as Daioen and ○△□ Garden.
Daio-en is a large garden that depicts how water trickles down and flows into a river, eventually continuing to the sea. How about stretching your legs on the porch while imagining the flow of water?
○△□ Garden, as the name suggests, represents circles, triangles, and squares. I would like you to see the real thing to see which part represents what.
Now take a breather. We will have tea from Kenninji Temple, which is said to have been brought back from China by Zen master Eisai.
After you feel the coolness in your eyes and ears, let's cool down your body with cool sweets. It's a cute-looking sweet made from Ito Kyuemon's popular matcha parfait iced bar!
In addition, in the "Kyoto Cool Search" campaign, you can experience making a mini folding screen with a picture of Fujin and Raijin. This is a rare opportunity to experience the "Fujin Raijin-zu folding screen" made of textiles, which is normally not open to the public.
After taking a break with tea and sweets, next is “Twin Dragons”. The ceiling of the hall is filled with two dragons with open mouths. This work was completed in April 2002 after 1 year and 10 months to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the founding of Kenninji Temple. .
It's really a masterpiece!! This pair of dragons is bigger than I thought. Moreover, this time, we had a special private experience where you can lie down and look up at the dragon on the ceiling.
Reclining chairs and tatami mats are placed in places that are not accessible to the general public, so it is OK to lie down. I'm kind of scared, but I'll let you lie down. A dragon that can be seen from directly below, which cannot be seen during normal visits. This is so luxurious...!
Special dinner at "Komaitei"
After finishing the special experience at Kenninji, we headed to Komaiitei along the Kamo River. It looks like a hideaway as you pass through the signboard and follow the narrow road.
At this restaurant, which boasts a history of over 100 years since its establishment, you can enjoy Kyoto sukiyaki, a specialty of the restaurant.
Kyoto-style sukiyaki that is seasoned with white grain and dark soy sauce without using warishita. Have the staff grill it for you and enjoy it at the best timing.
Ahh, so soft...! and sweet. The sweetness of the coarse grains brought out the sweetness of the fat in the meat, making it the most delicious sukiyaki I have ever had!
By the way, it didn't come true on this day due to rain, but at Komai-tei, you can enjoy your meal on the kawadoko, a summer tradition in Kyoto. Please check it!