Camellia Tea Ceremony
@camelliakyoto.bsky.social
Welcoming guests to our two teahouses and kimono studio in Kyōto. Join us as we explore Japanese culture, tea and history!
Website: https://tea-kyoto.com/
You can also find us over on...
insta: http://camellia.kyoto &
@[email protected]
Website: https://tea-kyoto.com/
You can also find us over on...
insta: http://camellia.kyoto &
@[email protected]
As the Taira forces forded the Uji-gawa and stormed into the precincts of Byōdō-in, it is said one of Yorimasa's retainers took his master's head, wrapped it in a cloth weighted with rocks, and tossed it into the nearby river so that it wouldn't fall into enemy hands.
#Japan
#Japan
November 28, 2025 at 7:32 AM
As the Taira forces forded the Uji-gawa and stormed into the precincts of Byōdō-in, it is said one of Yorimasa's retainers took his master's head, wrapped it in a cloth weighted with rocks, and tossed it into the nearby river so that it wouldn't fall into enemy hands.
#Japan
#Japan
Having raised an army with Prince Mochihito (以仁王) to overthrow the ruling Taira clan, Yorimasa's forces were crushed at Uji and he fled to nearby Byōdō-in.
Badly injured by an arrow, he spread out his war fan, composed a final poem, and committed seppuku.
#Kyoto #Japan #平等院
Badly injured by an arrow, he spread out his war fan, composed a final poem, and committed seppuku.
#Kyoto #Japan #平等院
November 28, 2025 at 7:17 AM
Minamoto-no-Yorimasa's death is argued by some to be the earliest record of a samurai committing seppuku in defeat.
Beside Byōdō-in's Kannon-do (観音堂), built around 1230, is a fan-shaped stretch of lawn called 'Ogi-no-shiba' (扇の芝), upon which Yorimasa likely killed himself.
Beside Byōdō-in's Kannon-do (観音堂), built around 1230, is a fan-shaped stretch of lawn called 'Ogi-no-shiba' (扇の芝), upon which Yorimasa likely killed himself.
November 28, 2025 at 6:57 AM
Minamoto-no-Yorimasa's death is argued by some to be the earliest record of a samurai committing seppuku in defeat.
Beside Byōdō-in's Kannon-do (観音堂), built around 1230, is a fan-shaped stretch of lawn called 'Ogi-no-shiba' (扇の芝), upon which Yorimasa likely killed himself.
Beside Byōdō-in's Kannon-do (観音堂), built around 1230, is a fan-shaped stretch of lawn called 'Ogi-no-shiba' (扇の芝), upon which Yorimasa likely killed himself.
like a fossil tree
from which we gather no flowers
sad has been my life
fated no fruit to produce
埋もれ木の
花咲くことも
なかりしに
身のなる果てぞ
悲しかりける
-Death poem of Minamoto-no-Yorimasa (源頼政 1106-80), leader of the Minamoto forces at the start of the Genpei War.
from which we gather no flowers
sad has been my life
fated no fruit to produce
埋もれ木の
花咲くことも
なかりしに
身のなる果てぞ
悲しかりける
-Death poem of Minamoto-no-Yorimasa (源頼政 1106-80), leader of the Minamoto forces at the start of the Genpei War.
November 28, 2025 at 6:43 AM
like a fossil tree
from which we gather no flowers
sad has been my life
fated no fruit to produce
埋もれ木の
花咲くことも
なかりしに
身のなる果てぞ
悲しかりける
-Death poem of Minamoto-no-Yorimasa (源頼政 1106-80), leader of the Minamoto forces at the start of the Genpei War.
from which we gather no flowers
sad has been my life
fated no fruit to produce
埋もれ木の
花咲くことも
なかりしに
身のなる果てぞ
悲しかりける
-Death poem of Minamoto-no-Yorimasa (源頼政 1106-80), leader of the Minamoto forces at the start of the Genpei War.
Before the 'Phoenix Hall' (officially known as the Amida-dō, and commonly called this right up to 1680) is a stone lantern that has survived since the temple's foundation.
At the height of its power Byōdō-in's precincts boasted 26 halls, 7 pagodas, and an elaborate garden.
#京都
At the height of its power Byōdō-in's precincts boasted 26 halls, 7 pagodas, and an elaborate garden.
#京都
November 28, 2025 at 6:18 AM
Before the 'Phoenix Hall' (officially known as the Amida-dō, and commonly called this right up to 1680) is a stone lantern that has survived since the temple's foundation.
At the height of its power Byōdō-in's precincts boasted 26 halls, 7 pagodas, and an elaborate garden.
#京都
At the height of its power Byōdō-in's precincts boasted 26 halls, 7 pagodas, and an elaborate garden.
#京都
The original main hall stood closer to the river, but in 1053 the current Hōō-dō was constructed as part of an 'earthly paradise'.
Such was Byōdō-in's beauty that a famous saying went ..."If you are suspicious about the existence of Amida's Pure Land, pray at the Temple in Uji".
Such was Byōdō-in's beauty that a famous saying went ..."If you are suspicious about the existence of Amida's Pure Land, pray at the Temple in Uji".
November 28, 2025 at 5:59 AM
The original main hall stood closer to the river, but in 1053 the current Hōō-dō was constructed as part of an 'earthly paradise'.
Such was Byōdō-in's beauty that a famous saying went ..."If you are suspicious about the existence of Amida's Pure Land, pray at the Temple in Uji".
Such was Byōdō-in's beauty that a famous saying went ..."If you are suspicious about the existence of Amida's Pure Land, pray at the Temple in Uji".
Byōdō-in's founding date is significant as it was considered the 2001 year since Buddha had entered Nirvana and the 1st year of 'The Age of Decline of the Buddhist Law' (末法 'mappō').
Many nobles funded halls and gardens dedicated to Amida, lord of the 'Western Pure Land Paradise'.
Many nobles funded halls and gardens dedicated to Amida, lord of the 'Western Pure Land Paradise'.
November 28, 2025 at 5:26 AM
Byōdō-in's founding date is significant as it was considered the 2001 year since Buddha had entered Nirvana and the 1st year of 'The Age of Decline of the Buddhist Law' (末法 'mappō').
Many nobles funded halls and gardens dedicated to Amida, lord of the 'Western Pure Land Paradise'.
Many nobles funded halls and gardens dedicated to Amida, lord of the 'Western Pure Land Paradise'.
After Michinaga passed away in 1027 the 'Uji Palace' (宇治殿) came into possession of his son Yorimichi (藤原頼通 992–1074).
When Yorimichi turned 60 years old he was inspired to transform the sprawling site into a temple, and made the priest Myōson (明尊 971-1063) first abbot.
#宇治殿 #Uji #宇治
When Yorimichi turned 60 years old he was inspired to transform the sprawling site into a temple, and made the priest Myōson (明尊 971-1063) first abbot.
#宇治殿 #Uji #宇治
November 28, 2025 at 4:40 AM
Likely beginning as a summer retreat for Minamoto-no-Tōru (源融 822-95), possible inspiration for Murasaki Shikibu's "Genji", the property passed through the hands of Emperor Uda, Minamoto-no-Shigenobu (源重信 - Uda's grandson), and on to the powerful Regent Fujiwara-no-Michinaga.
November 28, 2025 at 4:18 AM
Likely beginning as a summer retreat for Minamoto-no-Tōru (源融 822-95), possible inspiration for Murasaki Shikibu's "Genji", the property passed through the hands of Emperor Uda, Minamoto-no-Shigenobu (源重信 - Uda's grandson), and on to the powerful Regent Fujiwara-no-Michinaga.
✨😇A SLICE OF PARADISE🪷🎶
Byōdō-in's ( 平等院) Hōō-dō (鳳凰堂 'Phoenix Hall') was completed in 1053. Once completely surrounded by Aji-ga-ike pond, the stretch of water helped protect the building from fires in 1336 and 1483 that completely destroyed the rest of the temple.
#Byodoin #平等院 #Uji
Byōdō-in's ( 平等院) Hōō-dō (鳳凰堂 'Phoenix Hall') was completed in 1053. Once completely surrounded by Aji-ga-ike pond, the stretch of water helped protect the building from fires in 1336 and 1483 that completely destroyed the rest of the temple.
#Byodoin #平等院 #Uji
November 28, 2025 at 3:57 AM
150 years after the devastation of the Ōnin War the 226th head of Nanzen-ji, Genpo Reisan (玄圃霊三 1535-1608), helped revive the temple with Hosokawa Yūsai (細川幽斎 1534-1610).
Genpo’s disciple Ungaku Reikei (雲岳霊圭) became head. The current buildings date to this time.
#京都
Genpo’s disciple Ungaku Reikei (雲岳霊圭) became head. The current buildings date to this time.
#京都
November 27, 2025 at 6:35 AM
150 years after the devastation of the Ōnin War the 226th head of Nanzen-ji, Genpo Reisan (玄圃霊三 1535-1608), helped revive the temple with Hosokawa Yūsai (細川幽斎 1534-1610).
Genpo’s disciple Ungaku Reikei (雲岳霊圭) became head. The current buildings date to this time.
#京都
Genpo’s disciple Ungaku Reikei (雲岳霊圭) became head. The current buildings date to this time.
#京都
Tenju-an was named after the Tenju era (天授) in which it was founded. At this time Kokan Shiren (虎関師錬) also landscaped the temple's garden.
Destroyed by a fire in 1393 and during the Ōnin War in 1447 (応仁文明の乱 1467-77), the temple was all but abandoned for many years.
Destroyed by a fire in 1393 and during the Ōnin War in 1447 (応仁文明の乱 1467-77), the temple was all but abandoned for many years.
November 27, 2025 at 5:45 AM
Tenju-an was named after the Tenju era (天授) in which it was founded. At this time Kokan Shiren (虎関師錬) also landscaped the temple's garden.
Destroyed by a fire in 1393 and during the Ōnin War in 1447 (応仁文明の乱 1467-77), the temple was all but abandoned for many years.
Destroyed by a fire in 1393 and during the Ōnin War in 1447 (応仁文明の乱 1467-77), the temple was all but abandoned for many years.
The 15th abbot of Nanzen-ji, Kokan Shiren (虎関師錬), in 1336 founded Tenju-an (天授庵) to celebrate the temple's 45th anniversary.
Tenju-an was constructed as a Kaisan-tō (開山塔), a religious site honouring the founder of a temple (in this case Mukan Fumon 大明国師).
#Japan
Tenju-an was constructed as a Kaisan-tō (開山塔), a religious site honouring the founder of a temple (in this case Mukan Fumon 大明国師).
#Japan
November 27, 2025 at 5:02 AM
The 15th abbot of Nanzen-ji, Kokan Shiren (虎関師錬), in 1336 founded Tenju-an (天授庵) to celebrate the temple's 45th anniversary.
Tenju-an was constructed as a Kaisan-tō (開山塔), a religious site honouring the founder of a temple (in this case Mukan Fumon 大明国師).
#Japan
Tenju-an was constructed as a Kaisan-tō (開山塔), a religious site honouring the founder of a temple (in this case Mukan Fumon 大明国師).
#Japan
Living as a hermit, on the 3rd day of the 3rd month in 1266 it is said Dōchi became a Bodhisattva and rode a white horse into the heavens. Thereafter known as 'Koma Daisōjō' (駒大僧正 'Horse High Priest'), his death was recorded as 1269 (for this was the last time he was 'seen').
November 27, 2025 at 4:18 AM
Living as a hermit, on the 3rd day of the 3rd month in 1266 it is said Dōchi became a Bodhisattva and rode a white horse into the heavens. Thereafter known as 'Koma Daisōjō' (駒大僧正 'Horse High Priest'), his death was recorded as 1269 (for this was the last time he was 'seen').
It is said that Dōchi (道智 1217-69) so loved the Komagataki Waterfall (駒ヶ滝) that it was here his spirit lingered. His hermitage close by became the temple of Saishō-in (最勝院). It was on this land that Emperor Kameyama intruded, thus disturbing Dōchi's ghost.
November 27, 2025 at 3:36 AM
It is said that Dōchi (道智 1217-69) so loved the Komagataki Waterfall (駒ヶ滝) that it was here his spirit lingered. His hermitage close by became the temple of Saishō-in (最勝院). It was on this land that Emperor Kameyama intruded, thus disturbing Dōchi's ghost.
With the ghost finally gone, in 1290 a grateful emperor gifted Mukan Fumon (無関普門 1212-91) the 'Upper Palace' (上の宮) of Zenrinji-dono.
Out of the existing buildings Mukan created Nanzen-in (南禅院), which would expand to become the great Zen temple of Nanzen-ji (南禅寺).
Out of the existing buildings Mukan created Nanzen-in (南禅院), which would expand to become the great Zen temple of Nanzen-ji (南禅寺).
November 27, 2025 at 3:31 AM
With the ghost finally gone, in 1290 a grateful emperor gifted Mukan Fumon (無関普門 1212-91) the 'Upper Palace' (上の宮) of Zenrinji-dono.
Out of the existing buildings Mukan created Nanzen-in (南禅院), which would expand to become the great Zen temple of Nanzen-ji (南禅寺).
Out of the existing buildings Mukan created Nanzen-in (南禅院), which would expand to become the great Zen temple of Nanzen-ji (南禅寺).
The emperor's villa was plagued by a series of hauntings, with members of the household seeing specters walking the hallways (some believed it was the ghost of Dōchi).
After various efforts to exorcise the spirit(s) failed, Kameyama requested the help of Tōfuku-ji's Mukan Fumon.
#Kyoto #ghost
After various efforts to exorcise the spirit(s) failed, Kameyama requested the help of Tōfuku-ji's Mukan Fumon.
#Kyoto #ghost
November 27, 2025 at 2:54 AM
The temple stands on land that first belonged to Saishō-in (最勝院), a hermitage built by Dōchi (道智 1217-69), son of regent Kujō Michiie (九条道家).
Abdicating in 1274, Emperor Kameyama (亀山上皇) took over the grounds to make his sprawling 'Zenrinji-dono' villa (禅林寺殿).
#Nanzenji #南禅寺
Abdicating in 1274, Emperor Kameyama (亀山上皇) took over the grounds to make his sprawling 'Zenrinji-dono' villa (禅林寺殿).
#Nanzenji #南禅寺
November 27, 2025 at 12:33 AM
Kyōto has a special pilgrimage made up of 12 religious sites dedicated to the 12 zodiac animals.
Jōjakkō-ji's Myōken-dō (妙見堂) enshrines 'Myōken in the Direction of the Rooster' (酉の方の妙見さん). The statue was found by a fisherman in 1596 beside the flooded Hozu-gawa.
Jōjakkō-ji's Myōken-dō (妙見堂) enshrines 'Myōken in the Direction of the Rooster' (酉の方の妙見さん). The statue was found by a fisherman in 1596 beside the flooded Hozu-gawa.
November 26, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Kyōto has a special pilgrimage made up of 12 religious sites dedicated to the 12 zodiac animals.
Jōjakkō-ji's Myōken-dō (妙見堂) enshrines 'Myōken in the Direction of the Rooster' (酉の方の妙見さん). The statue was found by a fisherman in 1596 beside the flooded Hozu-gawa.
Jōjakkō-ji's Myōken-dō (妙見堂) enshrines 'Myōken in the Direction of the Rooster' (酉の方の妙見さん). The statue was found by a fisherman in 1596 beside the flooded Hozu-gawa.
An overlooked shrine, close to the pagoda, is actually far older than the temple.
Kasen-shi (歌僊祠), built in the Muromachi period, is known as the "poets' shrine" as it honours Fujiwara-no-Teika (藤原定家 d.1241), Fujiwara-no-Ietaka (藤原家隆 d.1237)...oh, & Tokugawa Ieyasu🤷♂️
Kasen-shi (歌僊祠), built in the Muromachi period, is known as the "poets' shrine" as it honours Fujiwara-no-Teika (藤原定家 d.1241), Fujiwara-no-Ietaka (藤原家隆 d.1237)...oh, & Tokugawa Ieyasu🤷♂️
November 26, 2025 at 8:23 AM
An overlooked shrine, close to the pagoda, is actually far older than the temple.
Kasen-shi (歌僊祠), built in the Muromachi period, is known as the "poets' shrine" as it honours Fujiwara-no-Teika (藤原定家 d.1241), Fujiwara-no-Ietaka (藤原家隆 d.1237)...oh, & Tokugawa Ieyasu🤷♂️
Kasen-shi (歌僊祠), built in the Muromachi period, is known as the "poets' shrine" as it honours Fujiwara-no-Teika (藤原定家 d.1241), Fujiwara-no-Ietaka (藤原家隆 d.1237)...oh, & Tokugawa Ieyasu🤷♂️
Following the Kinmon Incident (禁門の変) in 1864 rebel soldiers from Chōshū Domain hid out at the temple, aided by the 32nd abbot Nichinin (日仁).
Pro-shōgunate forces stormed Jōjakkō-ji and burnt part of the grounds. To prevent a backlash against the temple Nichinin hung himself.
Pro-shōgunate forces stormed Jōjakkō-ji and burnt part of the grounds. To prevent a backlash against the temple Nichinin hung himself.
November 26, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Following the Kinmon Incident (禁門の変) in 1864 rebel soldiers from Chōshū Domain hid out at the temple, aided by the 32nd abbot Nichinin (日仁).
Pro-shōgunate forces stormed Jōjakkō-ji and burnt part of the grounds. To prevent a backlash against the temple Nichinin hung himself.
Pro-shōgunate forces stormed Jōjakkō-ji and burnt part of the grounds. To prevent a backlash against the temple Nichinin hung himself.
The 12m tall 'Heison-kaku' Pagoda (並尊閣), Jōjakkō-ji's other distinctive building, was completed in August 1620. According to the ridge board the donor was Tsujidō Naonobu, a lieutenant of the Middle Palace Guards (辻藤兵衛尉直信).
It enshrines Shaka Nyorai (釈迦如来).
#Japan
It enshrines Shaka Nyorai (釈迦如来).
#Japan
November 26, 2025 at 7:55 AM
The 12m tall 'Heison-kaku' Pagoda (並尊閣), Jōjakkō-ji's other distinctive building, was completed in August 1620. According to the ridge board the donor was Tsujidō Naonobu, a lieutenant of the Middle Palace Guards (辻藤兵衛尉直信).
It enshrines Shaka Nyorai (釈迦如来).
#Japan
It enshrines Shaka Nyorai (釈迦如来).
#Japan
Jōjakkō-ji's oldest structure actually belonged originally to another temple.
Built in the 14thC, the thatched Niō-mon (仁王門) guarded the south entrance to Honkoku-ji (本圀寺), one of Kyōto's most important Nichiren centres, but in 1616 Nisshin moved it to his new temple.
#京都
Built in the 14thC, the thatched Niō-mon (仁王門) guarded the south entrance to Honkoku-ji (本圀寺), one of Kyōto's most important Nichiren centres, but in 1616 Nisshin moved it to his new temple.
#京都
November 26, 2025 at 6:56 AM
Jōjakkō-ji's oldest structure actually belonged originally to another temple.
Built in the 14thC, the thatched Niō-mon (仁王門) guarded the south entrance to Honkoku-ji (本圀寺), one of Kyōto's most important Nichiren centres, but in 1616 Nisshin moved it to his new temple.
#京都
Built in the 14thC, the thatched Niō-mon (仁王門) guarded the south entrance to Honkoku-ji (本圀寺), one of Kyōto's most important Nichiren centres, but in 1616 Nisshin moved it to his new temple.
#京都
*For those wondering who Chōshō was, well it is a reference to the daimyō and poet Kinoshita Chōshō (木下長嘯子 aka Katsutoshi 1569-1649), nephew of Kita-no-mandokoro (北政所).
He was on close terms with Nisshin (日禛), the founder of Jōjakkō-ji. They often composed poetry together.
He was on close terms with Nisshin (日禛), the founder of Jōjakkō-ji. They often composed poetry together.
November 26, 2025 at 6:42 AM
*For those wondering who Chōshō was, well it is a reference to the daimyō and poet Kinoshita Chōshō (木下長嘯子 aka Katsutoshi 1569-1649), nephew of Kita-no-mandokoro (北政所).
He was on close terms with Nisshin (日禛), the founder of Jōjakkō-ji. They often composed poetry together.
He was on close terms with Nisshin (日禛), the founder of Jōjakkō-ji. They often composed poetry together.