The Flowers of Yoshimine-dera

Yoshimine-dera lies in the mountains west of Muko less than an hour from Kyoto. Feel the peace as you walk amongst the manicured gardens, especially in the rain and mist of Spring when all you hear is the raindrops, the waterfall and the occasional gong of the temple bell. Even in the middle of Golden Week this place is an oasis of calm. Buy a picnic lunch from the shops in Higashi Muko and take the Route 66 bus every hour to this hidden treasure.