(日本語) 烏丸通の紅葉と京の穴場スポット
Yoshie Doi
Photo taken on 1125, 2023 Looking east from my office at the Karasuma-dori Bukkoji
Kyoto is in full bloom with autumn leaves. Many tourists come to Kyoto to enjoy autumn in Kyoto. I also enjoyed the autumn leaves from my office. When I looked east from the office lounge, I saw the autumn leaves of the ginkgo trees shining golden in the morning sun. The ginkgo trees were shining as if they were urging me to look at me.
No one was in the office on Saturday, so even though I was working alone in my room, I was soothed by the beauty of the autumn leaves. It had been raining a little since the morning, but suddenly the sunlight poured in and it was a beautiful moment. It’s a “just now, just here” moment. Moreover, the Christmas tree has just been decorated, which makes me feel excited.
More than 10 years ago, a friend of mine in Tokyo had something he really wanted to show me, so he took me to the miniature garden of a temple at 4 p.m. The reason is that the shadow of the sun in the garden of the temple becomes beautiful only during this time, so he wanted us to see it.
You can enjoy the autumn leaves even in a quiet office in the middle of town. For a while, I moved from my desk to work in the lounge and enjoy the autumn leaves. I used to have a desk facing Karasuma Dori, but I have now moved to a back side room. Every day, I worked while looking at Higashiyama, which is sandwiched between buildings, so I was able to clearly see the changing seasons.
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Autumn leaves at Himukai Daijingu Shrine a few years ago
Even though Kyoto is a city, it is surrounded by mountains, and you can feel the seasons. The citizens of Kyoto spend their lives looking at the mountains 365 days a year. People who come to Kyoto often ask us, “Where are some hidden gems?” At that time, I always respond, “This is Himukai Shrine near Keage.” It is a historical power spot where you can get the same blessings as visiting Ise Grand Shrine, which is quiet and has few people. There is also an “Ama no Iwato” that a single person can pass through, and it is also a spot where impurities can be purified. It seems that the autumn leaves are a little late this year. Please find your own hidden gem and enjoy.
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Translated by Masami Otani
