Jan 17, 2014 - 1 min read

Shinsen-en Garden and Pond, Kyoto

Close your eyes and imagine what once was...

By Larry Knipfing

Community writer

This garden has ducks!

A lovely quiet part of the pond

Once used at the temple, but not any longer

The garden shrine

At the alter of the shrine

Reflections of the bridge

King of the garden

In 794, Emperor Kanmu established his government in Kyoto, and built a massive garden for himself. It was the first of its kind in Japan, and was of course beautiful and special. The current garden, Shinsen-en, is just a remnant of what it once was, but there are still little touches of brilliance: A large pond with carp, a red bridge over the pond, a small temple and a small shrine, statues - all packed into this one fairly compact space. It is just down the road from Nijo Castle, so if you are in the area, be sure to visit both!

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Larry Knipfing

By Larry Knipfing

Community writer

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Justin Velgus

Justin Velgus 10 years ago

Nice details hidden away from standard viewing. I like it!

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