Kyoto: Hosen-in Temple, Sanzen-in Temple, Chicken Hot Pot Meal

At Hosen-in Temple, you will enjoy the soothing view of a centuries-old tree from a tatami-matted, open room while being served matcha tea and sweets. This temple is renowned for its stunning gardens and rich history. Founded in the early 11th century, it originally served as a lodging for monks. The temple grounds feature a magnificent 700-year-old pine tree and a "bloody ceiling" made from the floorboards of Fushimi Castle, commemorating the deaths of soldiers during a famous battle.

Sanzen-in Temple was originally founded as a hermitage by the famous Buddhist monk, Saicho (767-822). The temple is known as a 'Monzeki Temple', meaning a temple where members of the imperial family have served in the priesthood throughout its history. The main attraction here is the wonderful moss-covered garden. Visitors can walk through the moss garden and enjoy a tranquil atmosphere. There are many amusing stone statues that peek out from the moss.

Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Ohara called Nomura Sanso. The restaurant was completed in 1987, after approximately 10 years of work by the father of the current owner, who handled the architecture, and a landscape gardener. The building is surrounded by a Japanese garden, visible from every room of this structure. The restaurant has many selected art pieces and boasts a beautiful veranda overlooking the garden and golden folding screens; it is curated in every detail. The food is also meticulously prepared, using locally sourced vegetables to create Japanese cuisine that blends modern elements. Among their specialties are the famous chicken hotpot and fresh vegetable dishes. It's worth noting that reservations for this local restaurant are often difficult to obtain.