Monday, November 29, 2004

Autumn leaf-peeping in Kyoto

So, we spent a long weekend in Kyoto staring at the beautiful autumn leaves. So did thousands upon thousands of Japanese tourists, but it was still magnificent. A particular highlight, seen below, was a special calligraphy ceremony held by monks at Shogaku temple. Calligraphers gather from all around the area to ritually burn their calligraphy brushes and pens while the monks chant. Pretty spectacular.

Monks through fire Posted by Hello

Fiona throwing calligraphy pens onto bonfire Posted by Hello

Monk with calligraphy pens to burn Posted by Hello

Punts at Arashiyama Lake, Kyoto Posted by Hello

Ginkakuji, Kyoto Posted by Hello

Leaves on sand at Honen-in, Kyoto Posted by Hello

Leaves at Honen-in, Kyoto Posted by Hello