Jan 18, 2014 - 1 min read

Matsuo Taisha Shrine in Kyoto

Gardens by famous Showa Era landscape designer

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

Rock and water garden at Matsuo Shrine

Storehouse with thick plaster walls and small window

Covered verandahs for viewing the garden

Rocks, pebbles and water in Showa Era design

Ripples around an island

Koi in the Undulating Stream Garden designed by Mirei Shigemori

Striking ornamental koi

Some of the fish are friendly! Clap your hands and they will come!

Stone lantern and spring flowers

Bridges over a peaceful canal

Covered walkway between buildings

Magnificent rocks in the Garden of Ancient Times

Turtle statue in the garden

Lush spring greenery over the canal

Garden of Ancient Times by Mirei Shigemori

Matsuo Taisha Shrine is one of the oldest shrines in Kyoto. This water deity shrine is a popular place for sake and miso-makers to pray for success. Matsuo Shrine is also famous for three Showa Era gardens designed and built by famous landscape designer Mirei Shigemori and his son in 1973. There is also a sake museum, a treasure house, and if you happen to go on the right day, a market. The shrine is a short walk from Matsuo Station on the Hankyu Arashiyama Line. There is also a bus from Kyoto Station.

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Cathy Cawood

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

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