Small bamboo grove near the exit (Photo: Larry Knipfing)

Shisendo: Villa, Garden, and Temple

Kyoto Beauty: A lot packed into one small space

Larry Knipfing   - 1 min read

Shisendo has an interesting history, and thus, is difficult to pinpoint: Is it a villa? Is it a garden? Is it a temple? The answer is - all three. But for most people, it is mainly a garden. A place to meditate, sitting in a large tatami room while looking out at its simple sand garden and the surrounding nature: Beautiful shrubbery, colorful trees (in autumn), a fish pond, and so on. It is most beautiful in autumn, but that's also when it is busiest. Go back again in winter when it is almost empty; it will feel completely different. Quiet and serene, and very cold. But the fresh air braces you and makes you feel happy to be alive!

Larry Knipfing

Larry Knipfing @larry.knipfing

Born on Long Island, New York in 1958, I have spent the last 30 years of my life living in Japan, and enjoying every minute of it! I especially love photography, and Japan is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the world to photograph! My other love is fiction writing and I have pub...