Kyoto: Bamboo, Moss and Magic.

While I’m pressed against the seat with my back, endless lime green fields and little houses with wooden roofs are passing by.  The bullet train Shinkansen is rushing through Japan from Tokyo to Kyoto with speed of light. Forests are decorating the rolling hills, and we leave the noisy and crowded capital behind us. After arriving in Kyoto it seems like a big and magical door is opening with a creak. It swings open to golden temples, bamboo groves and gentle wind chimes. A homage to a city that instantly belonged to one of my favorite places on earth.

The next day we are visiting UNESCO World Heritage Site Tenryu-ji with an overwhelming garden full of beauty and harmony. The first colorful leaves are reflecting in the large pond. Afterwards we were taking a walk through the famous Bamboo Forest. It belongs to the most beautiful groves in the world. Tons of bamboo form a guard of honor and keep your eyes wandering up to the sky. Their trunks never seem to end. Unfortunately this place is very crowded. But on the other hand there is no entrance fee.

In the afternoon we are hiking to Gio-ji Temple. Many little traditional shops are hiding in the small alleys and the scenery reminds me of the streets in the South of France. You can find beautiful fans and tiny basketry. By reaching the temple I’m ultimately losing my mind. Everything – literally everything! – is covered with moss in any shads and shape. The knaggy trees, the rocks and the temple itself. This is one of those moments you wish you could breathe in and never give away again. We are sitting down inside of the temple for a while looking at some Buddha statues while the dusk is crawling into the woods.