At the end of July last year I took a two-day trip to Kyoto to go and see its lotus flowers. I had heard that summers in Kyoto were hot and humid and, sure enough, when I arrived just standing still was enough to make me start sweating. If you go, carrying a bottle of water with you is pretty much essential.

Lotus flowers bloom early in the morning, so it is best to go and see them early. I left the hotel at 7 a.m. and made my way to Houkongouin, which is near Hanazono station on the JR Sagano line. During the lotus flowers' blooming season, Houkongouin--which is also known as the "Lotus Temple"--opens its doors at the extra-early time of 7 a.m., allowing visitors to come and admire the flowers. This special period is known as the kanrene.

Once I had finished walking around, I looked at my map and noticed that Ryoan-ji temple was closer than I expected, so I decided to head there. Ryoan-ji is well-known for its karesansui (dry landscape) rock garden. Despite being closer than I first though, walking would have still taken quite a long time, so I took a taxi.

When I mentioned to my taxi driver--who was looking very dapper with his braided gray hair--that I had come from Tokyo to see the lotus flowers, he asked me, "Have you been to Mimuroto-ji temple, which is also well-known for its flowers?" On his recommendation, I made my mind up to go to the temple, which is in Uji City, that afternoon.

Ryoan-ji temple was unexpectedly large and I passed the morning walking around the famous gardens, which were quiet. While stopping at the Kyouyouchi pond in the middle of the grounds, I watched a white bird fluttering elegantly over the blooming water lilies--a picture-perfect Kyoto image.

Although I would have liked to have spent more time there, I had to hurry back to my hotel to check out by 10 a.m. I put my bags into a locker at Kyoto station, and took the 30 minute train ride on the JR Uji line to Uji station. To save time I took another taxi to Mimuroto-ji temple.

Once through Mimuroto-ji temple's entrance there is a vermillion temple gate leading to a hill road covered in deep green foliage. According to the information board, there were also hydrangea and azalea gardens, as well as flowers that were viewable depending on the season. In front of the 180-year-old stately-looking main temple building sat 250 flowerpots, each holding a multicolored array of blooming lotus flowers.

You should try going to Kyoto and checking out the lotus flowers yourself this summer!

[Top spots for enjoying Kyoto's lotus flowers]
HoukongouinEntry fee: 400 yen
Near Hanazono station on the JR Sagano line
Kanrene (Lotus viewing season) 12 July 2008 - 3 August 2008
Early entry fee (7 a.m. opening): 400 yen

Mimuroto-ji templeEntry fee: 500 yen
Keihan Electric Railway - Mimurodo station

---