Zen Gardens

Away from the crowds.
This is Obai-in, one of many sub-temples of Daitoku-ji in Kyoto. This was the best of the three we visited here but all with a beautiful tranquil nature and charm. On route we passed Nijo Castle which I naively thought we could have a quick look around but the queue was massive with coaches lined up outside so we moved swiftly on. Obai-in did not allow photos inside (this photo is from the front gate where you were allowed), this was to encourage zen contemplation which I almost achieved and great to be free of the selfie trend for a brief moment. We are learning to avoid any tourist site that says ‘this is a must see’.