Exploring Japan - Photographing Komyoin Temple in Kyoto

Aha! My hidden secret! There's not many places left in Kyoto that have that feeling of being hidden away but I think this temple residing close to Tofuku Temple titled Komyoin is particularly special and ticks many of the boxes. When I visited I was the only one here, I was able to meditate for a good hour and photograph to my heart's content. It was a fantastic experience and I recommend anyone to visit, it feels like what you would expect Kyoto to feel like, which is contrasting to the close by Tofuku Temple that's often crowded and quite expensive. Saying that, the gardens at Tofuku Temple are something quite special too (more on those soon!).

I wrote about this previously in one of my other posts about temple architecture and how many of the traditional elements found in Japanese buildings have been applied to modern homes. Although it may not appear so at first sight, if you look closely you can see how these spaces are open plan, you also have moveable sliding doors that open and divide space, something that in western countries has become synonymous with "modern day living". There's also the paper on the doors that lets light in but still conceals the interior and your privacy. I can also point out how faithful the Japanese are to "the grid", using tatami matting to measure out each space. They even use this form of counting today to describe the space inside an apartment or house.

Obviously I am a design and architecture geek so it's easy for me to nerd out on these small details. But even if you're not interested in these as much I think you can still enjoy your time at this temple. It's free, although donation is recommended, and you can sit on either side of the temple and admire the beautiful rock garden. Just search for Komyoin near Tofuku Temple, I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

---

More from my Travels:

Exploring Japan - A Visit to the Kyoto Concert Hall
Exploring Japan - A Walk Through Toji Market in Kyoto
Exploring Japan - Tadao Ando's Garden of Fine Arts in Kyoto
Exploring Japan - A Visit to Kyoto Botanical Gardens
Exploring Japan - Yuzuruha Shrine in Kobe
Exploring Japan - A Visit to Kosetsu Museum of Art Garden
Exploring Darwin - A Trip to Crocodylus Park

---

All photos captured by Mark Robinson.

Please follow me @oen for more interesting art, design and travel content