As mentioned in yesterday’s entry, beyond the bamboo stair path in 化野念仏寺 lies a modern, upper cemetery which had a wonderful atmosphere about it. I’m dying to go back and see it again, no pun intended.

Posted on December 12th, 2008 under Japan. Tags: bamboo, buddhist, cemetery, japan pictures, kyoto, sagano, 化野念仏寺. Comments Off on Modern Cemetery at Adashino-Nenbutsu-ji

While there are several, nice, public bamboo-viewing points in Kyoto, most are crowded with tourists. The one pictured, above, is not crowded, nor is it public. You can only get to it by paying an admission fee at Adashino Nembutsuji. This Buddhist temple is best known for its thousands of small, stone Buddhist statues. Don’t look at them and then head for the exit thinking you’ve seen it all. Keep moving to the back of the grounds until you see the stairs pictured.

After climbing the stairs you will find yourself in a large graveyard surrounded by bamboo (竹林), trees, and mountains. I found it to be about the most beautiful and peaceful place I’ve ever encountered. It didn’t hurt that I was the only one there. Still, I wouldn’t mind the cemetery at Adashino Nenbutsuji being my eternal resting place.

For directions and current prices see this page.

Posted on December 11th, 2008 under Japan. Tags: bamboo, buddhist, japan pictures, kyoto, sagano, 化野念仏寺. Comments: 2