Japan's Hidden Gem｜A Day of Tranquility at Shomaru-ji Temple: Zen Bamboo Forest Journey Through a Millennium! Kansai's Hidden Treasure! The Tang Dynasty Legacy in Kyoto's Backyard Garden

🇯🇵Japan's Hidden Gem｜A Day of Tranquility at Shomaru-ji Temple🎋Zen Bamboo Forest Journey Through a Millennium!

🎐Kansai's Hidden Treasure! The Tang Dynasty Legacy in Kyoto's Backyard Garden🍃
This thousand-year-old temple, hidden on the border of Osaka and Kyoto, has recently been wildly recommended by Instagram bloggers! Less crowded than Sanzen-in and more unique than Kiyomizu-dera~

🚉Transportation Guide:
📍Address: 2-1 Shomaru-cho, Ibaraki City, Osaka Prefecture
🚌Take the Hankyu Takarazuka Line from Umeda Station to "Ibaraki-shi Station," then transfer to the Hankyu Bus (Route 16) to "Shomaru-ji-mae" and walk 5 minutes
⏰Bus frequency: 1-2 buses per hour, recommended to arrive at the station before 9:00 AM

🗺️Pilgrimage Route:
1️⃣ Sanmon Gate → Three-storied Pagoda
📿A must-see! The only three-storied pagoda in Japan that retains Tang Dynasty architectural style
🌸In spring, weeping cherry blossoms complement the pagoda; in November, the pagoda is surrounded by red maple leaves during the autumn foliage season

2️⃣ Karesansui Garden "Senshin-tei"
🌊A Zen garden featuring a dry waterfall and a turtle island design
📸Hidden photo spot: The diamond-shaped window frame in the corridor of the abbot's residence offers a great view of the garden

3️⃣ Oku-no-in Bamboo Path
🎋A 200-meter-long tunnel of Moso bamboo
💡The light and shadow are stunning at 3 PM on sunny afternoons! Wearing light-colored clothes makes for better photos

🍵Shojin Cuisine:
▪️"Ikkyu-an" vegetarian meal (reservation required 3 days in advance)
▫️12 seasonal vegetables + handmade tofu, about 5000 yen per person
▪️Garden tea ceremony matcha set (1500 yen per person)

⚠️Notes:
• Commercial photography/drones are prohibited on the premises
• Oku-no-in is closed after 4:00 PM
• On the 8th of each month, there is a sutra copying experience (brush and ink provided for free)