Azalea Flowers

In May, small flowers of pink, white, red, scarlet and crimson come into bloom, coloring the greenery of Japan. These beautiful flowers are collectively known as “tsutsuji” (azaleas), characteristic of late spring in this country. Since there is a variety of species with flowers of different sizes, shapes and colors, some of them are called using a prefix; for example, “yama-tsutsuji”(mountain azalea), “kirishima-tsutsuji” (kirishima azalea), “satsuki-tsutsuji” (satsuki azalea). The period of full bloom varies depending on the species, spanning from late April through June. However, “satsuki-tsutsuji”, often just called “satsuki”, is the last to bloom in June.

One of the most popular places for viewing azaleas is the Kyoto Municipal Keage Waterworks. Situated on a hill facing the National Highway Route No.1（国道１号線）, it is just a stones throw away from the Kyoto International Community House. From the highway you can observe the veil of azalea flowers that cover the entire slope beginning from late April or early May. During the season, the Waterworks facilities are generally open for a few days to the public to enjoy viewing the flowers (date yet undecided, Tel. 0120−320−884 for inquiries)

Another garden famous for azalea flowers is Chishaku-in Temple (智積院). It is located just east of the Higashiyama Shichijo-dori intersection, in the neighborhood of Sanju-Sangendo and the Kyoto National Museum. Chishaku-in is a large temple of the Shingon Buddhist Sect, with a long history of some 400 years. It is not a very well known tourist spot, probably because its main buildings were all lost a long time ago due to repeated fires and have not been fully restored. However, a beautiful garden has been preserved in its original state along with a variety of azalea flowers.

Initially designed nearly 400 years ago, the garden consists of an exquisite combination of plants, stones and water, and utilizes the slope of the background hill to great effect. Trees and shrubs cover the whole area surrounding a graceful pond and a stream trickling down from a small waterfall. Rocks of different shapes and sizes are arranged here and there, while narrow stone bridges transverse both the pond and stream. This garden offers particularly picturesque scenery in late May and June when the azaleas are in full bloom.

The temple houses several wall paintings produced in the 16th and 17th centuries under a common theme, “trees and flowers”, which have been designated as National Treasures. They were originally painted on the walls and sliding doors of the temple by HASEGAWA Tohaku (1539-1610) and his son Kyuzo (1568-1593), both of whom were exceptionally talented artists of the time. These paintings are now preserved in a separate display house. Among the works especially famous for their rich coloring and grandeur-like composition are those depicting maple trees in crimson foliage and cherry trees in full bloom, which were created by father and son respectfully. Other paintings of pine and plum trees with grass flowers are also quite attractive.

T. Fujii

A Pleasant Stroll

The garden of Umenomiya Shrine (梅宮神社) is rich in trees and flowers, being superb in May when irises growing in the pond are in bloom.

Following Shijo street west, you will come across the wide and long Matsuo-bashi Bridge (松尾橋). Sometimes you see fishermen sitting along its edge, their faces shaded by a conical shaped hat, dangling their fishing rods over the water below. The calm river with a park running along side it with cherry and other types of trees, appears to be hugged by the gentle mountains.

You will see the large Matsuo Taisha Shrine (松尾大社) torii (gateway) leading to the oldest shrine in Kyoto, dating back to the fifth century. Entering the stone garden within the shrine’s grounds will give you a feeling tranquility and relaxation.

A bicycle path follows the river’s western bank to Arashiyama, a 30-minute walk during which you can enjoy the quiet and peaceful scenery along the way.

　

Access: Matsuo Stn. on Hankyu-Arashiyama line or City Bus No. 3,29,67,71 get off at Umenomiya-jinja-mae.

　 I. Hashimoto

Along the Kamo-gawa

May is a good season to go hiking. After the cherry blossoms have fallen, green leaves begin to appear. This is a refreshing sight after the mesmerizing beauty of pink cherry blossoms. I recommend walking from the central Kyoto area to the north alongside the Kamo-gawa River. It’s a great spot from which to view the fresh greenery. You can also visit famous temples along the way. As you approach the northern part of the river, the view becomes even more wonderful. Near Shimogamo-jinya Shrine (下鴨神社), there is a Tadasuno-mori Grove（糺ノ森）. This grove is often used as samurai drama location because there are many very old trees.

Route

Kodai-ji Temple (10min.)à Yasaka-jinja Shrine (5min.) à Maruyama Park (15min.) à Shijo bridge (Kamo-gawa River) (60 min.) à Shimogamo Shrine (30 min.) à Kyoto Botanical Gardens (10min.) à Kamigamo shrine

　

Kodai-ji Temple

Hours: 9:00 - 16:00

Admission: \500

Access: City Bus to Higashiyama-yasui, then walk 5min

Inquiries: 075-561-9966

Yasaka-jinja Shrine

Admission: Free

Inquiries: 075-561-6155

Shimogamo-jinja Shrine

Hours: 9:30 - 21:00 (closed Wednesday)

Admission: Free

Inquires: 075-791-1652

Kyoto Botanical Gardens

Hours: 9:00 - 17:00

Admission: \200yen

Inquiries: 075-701-0141

Kamigamo shrine

Hours: 6:00 - 18:00

Admission: Free

Inquiries: 075-781-0011

　

C.Okajima

　

Joyo Sports Park

　

The Joyo-shi Sogo Undo Koen (Joyo City Multi-Purpose Sports Park) is also well known by its popular name “Konosu-Yama Undo Koen” (Mt. Konosu Sports Park) because it is located at the foot of Mt. Konosu, adjacent the main road leading to Yamashiro Sports Park”.

On the northern side of this road there is a nine-hectare recreation zone which includes the two hotels, Plum Inn Joyo and Iris Inn Joyo, as well as a roller-slide and a playground for children.

On the southern side of the road is a seven-hectare sports zone, comprising of a gymnasium, a multi-purpose ground, a baseball field, tennis courts and gate-ball ground. The tennis courts and multi-purpose ground can also be used at night.

The Komorebi no Mori (Forest of Scattered Sunlight) hiking course leads hikers from the recreation zone to the top of Mt Konosu. From atop its peak, it commands a spectacular panoramic view of the entire city below.

Open: 9:00 ? 21:00, 6:00 ? 21:00 (summertime)

Closed: Dec. 27 ? Jan 4

Access: Take JR Nara line and get off at Joyo Station (城陽駅- 20 min. walk) , or Kintetsu Nara line and get off at Terada Station (寺田駅- 30 min. walk)

Inquiries: Tel. 0774-55-6222 Fax 0774-55-6221

M.Matsushita

　

　

Kyoto Beer Park

Why not take in the fresh green surroundings while enjoying a meal and a refreshing beer at the Kyoto Beer Park this month? You are sure to relax both mind and body.

What you can do there: Visit the brewery ? Learn how to ferment beer, taste a sample of beer or juice (free), 10:00-16:00 (50 min. tour). You can stroll through the large Japanese garden, modeled on the gardens of the Imperial Palace in Kyoto. There are benches by the pond, where you can take a rest and bask in the sun. Various events and classes are also held for your enjoyment. For example, a ceramic class takes place on the 4th Saturday of every month (morning ceramic class: \3,000 adult / \1,500 child). There, you can make your own mug and take it home, or test it out drinking beer or juice at the restaurant.

Other Facilities: A novelty shop with lots of souvenirs, a community hall ? where a video is shown on the various processes involved in brewing beer, an information corner on recycling beer bottles and cans etc., and a reasonably priced restaurant called KARAHANA (open: 11:30 ? 22:00).

Admission to the Park: Free

Inquiries: 075-924-2100 (Visit), 075-924-2156 (Restaurant). Closed Mondays. Kirin homepage: http://www.kirin.co.jp

#Note: Please telephone before visiting and check times (open ? close), as they vary from day to day.

Access: 5 Min. walk from JR Mukomachi Stn., 5 min. by taxi from Hankyu Katsura Stn. (30 min. walk). A shuttle bus is also available from both stations once or twice an hour.

M.Matsuda

Mt. Inari-Yama Hiking

May has arrived, and the mountains are alive with fresh lush greenery. Mt Inari-Yama (稲荷山), a modest 233 meters in height, has since early times been thought of as the place God visited when He came down to earth from heaven. Inari Taisha Shrine (稲荷大社) was dedicated to the god of rice (稲) in the 8th century by the HATA family, wealthy farming people living in the area. To begin this walk, take a train on the JR Nara line or Keihan Line (free walking maps available from Keihan Inari stn.) to Inari Station.

The Inari Station Lamp Shed - When you get off at JR Inari station, it is worth dropping in at the lamp shed for a quick visit. If you ask at the station office, a station employee will open it for you. The lamp shed is the oldest railroad structure to remain in its original condition. Inside, you will find old tables, portable lamps, signal lamps and tail lamps dating back to the 19th century. Admission is free if you have a railway ticket, but at least two people must be present to request a visit.

Inari Taisha Shrine - From Inari station you can see the huge reddish-orange torii (鳥居) gate and road leading to the Grand Shrine (本殿: Honden). It is especially crowded during the New Years period with people coming to pray for success in business. In days gone by, many of the worshippers were merchants. While making the journey to the shrine, merchants would exchange information and make business deals. That is to say, through the act of going to worship, they were actually contributing to the future success of their business.

Mt. Inari-yama - After visiting the main shrine, taking right side of the path will lead you to the ‘Back Shrine’ or Okuyashiro (奥社). From there the mountain path ahead winds 2.5 km to the top of Mt. Inari-yama. As you make your way up the mountain, you climb up a series of stone steps, passing under what looks like a red tunnel. Thousands of small-scale red torii gates, donated by worshippers, line the path to the top. The various graves and miniature shrines spotted along the way add an air of mysteriousness. After you pass by the three forked path (三つ辻) to right, you will soon come upon the four forked path (四つ辻), a nice place to take a rest. Below, southern Kyoto spreads out before you. After you’re well rested, you can take either right or left path as both lead to the peak, or ichinomine (一の峰).

The walk around the upper precincts of the shrine is a pleasant day hike. Packing a light lunch would be a good idea. Although, if you’d like to try something different, local delicacies sold on the streets approaching the shrine include barbecued sparrow and inari-zushi.

N.Suematsu

The NOH Files

This is the first article of a series on "NOH", traditional Japanese play, written under the direction of talented Kyoto Noh performer, Mr. TAMOI Hiromichi, the ‘young hope’ of the Kanze School of Noh.

Series 1 ? TAKIGI NOH　（薪能）

“Takigi Noh” is performed all around Japan between June and September, as this is when the weather is at its best. This is important as Takigi Noh, (takigi means firewood) is performed outdoors by a large bonfire. Originally a religious event performed at Kofukuji Temple (興福寺), its roots can be traced back as far as the 10th century.

Takigi Noh’s popularity peaked during the Edo Period (1600?1868), but fell into decline by the Meiji Period (1868-1912). In 1950 under the auspices of Kyoto City and Kyoto-Nohgaku-kai, the first Kyoto-Takigi-Noh performance was staged in Kyoto. This re-galvanized the Kyoto peoples’ interest in Takigi-Noh, which later spread nationwide. The stage of Kyoto-Takigi-Noh, situated in the foreground of Heian-jingu Shrine, was built not only with the aim of reviving Takigi-Noh, but also to promote tourism in Kyoto.

This year the performances in connection with Zeami（世阿弥）, the co-founder of Noh along with his father, Kannami（勧阿弥）in the 14th century, will be performed in commemoration of "Fushikaden”（風姿花伝）, a book written by Zeami 600 years ago detailing his theory of Noh and drama.

　

The 51st Kyoto Takigi Noh Performance

Takasago Play: Outline

An elderly couple suddenly appear in front of a group of visitors at Takasago in Hyogo Prefecture. The couple confess they are actually the spirits of the two famous pine trees growing in Takasago and Sumiyoshi. They are asked by the visitors to guide them to the famous pine trees. After showing them the pine tree in Takasago, the spirits say to the visitors, “we’ll wait for you at Sumiyoshi in Osaka”. There, the visitors meet the God of Sumiyoshi that celebrates peace.

Izutsu Play: Outline

A priest visits Ariwara-dera Temple in Nara and sees a woman offering flowers to a burial mound. She is Ariwara-no-narihira's wife, Izutsu-no-onna. She dances wearing clothe left by her husband.

Date: 1 (Thu.) 〜 2 (Fri.) June, 17:30 -21:00 (Postponed in case of rain)

1st day: Takasago, Eguchi, Nomori,etc.

2nd day: Yashima, Izutsu, Iwafune, etc.

Place: Heian-jingu Shrine

Access: City Bus no. 5, 27,46 ? get off at Kyoto Kaikan-Bijutsukanmae stop.

Admission: \3,300 (adv. \2,500) for one day

Inquiries: Tel.761-3889, Kyoto Takiginoh Jimukyoku

　

M.Amanuma

Hiking in Kisaichi

Tsukinowa-no-taki Water Fall to Kurondo-ike Pond Hiking Trail

　

To take this hiking trail, you start from Kisaichi station (私市駅), pass through a residential area and follow the hiking trail until you reach Kurondo-ike pond, then return by the same path. Walking at a leisurely pace this hike will take about two and half hours’ (8 km.).

Entering this hiking trail you walk along a rocky path following a mountain stream, first coming to Tsukinowa-no-taki Water fall (月輪の滝) on the right. This was once used as a place of prayer by trainee monks of a nearby temple, although now only a small amount of water trickles down through the huge rocks. Continuing along the trail you will next reach Suiren-ike Pond (すいれん池), where you can admire water lilies in full bloom during the summer. This is also a good place to take a rest. From here you walk up hill for a few minutes before arriving at a fork in the trail. Taking the right fork, the gradient eases and you enter possibly the most pleasant section of this hiking trail. Walking along you can enjoy the murmuring sounds of birds singing and chirping. The trail again becomes rocky alongside the stream before it opens up and you are confronted by a vegetable field and the beautiful sight of Kurodo-ike Pond (くろんど池). Here you can enjoy boating or just a walk around, and it is an ideal spot to have lunch.

Access: Take Keihan-Dentetsu Katano Line (交野線) from Hirakatashi Station (枚方市駅) and get off at Kisaichi Station (terminal)

Inquiries: Kurondo-enchi kanri-jimusho Office, Tel. 072-891-4488

H.Fukuoka