# This is an authorized translation in English of a post in French by @japon: [Daikaku-ji, le grand complexe bouddhiste de Arashiyama](https://steemit.com/fr/@japon/daikaku-ji-le-grand-complexe-bouddhiste-de-arashiyama) ^{As my primary language is not English, there are probably some mistakes in my translation.} ## Remember that the person that speaks here is NOT me, Vincent Celier (@vcelier), but @japon, a French guy. *** The visit of the small moss garden [Gio-ji](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/i-finally-find-the-gio-ji-this-little-arashiyama-moss-garden-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) allows to have a reduction for the entrance of a big temple: the [Daikaku-ji](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daikaku-ji). A twin ticket even though both places are a good half hour walk away. It does not matter, I like to walk. ![](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQme2oKs2M9xqLNoC8rSLTjdHK9JUvPRUD7xeqnpair69VA/daikaku-ji-1.jpg) By following my GPS, I pass through residential areas, small muddy paths next to rice fields, and finally arrive at Daikaku-ji. The place is not uninteresting, but it is not so different from other temples that I could see. Am I becoming blasé? Not really, but at first there is nothing that jumps to my eyes, which appeals to me. There are those long wooden corridors that connect the buildings to each other, these Zen gardens with their immaculate white gravel. ![](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmbfzCm4LRzzmKjtWNYYStbM2eKWZ5xGn3fRj8e8CfCrT1/daikaku-ji-2.jpg)
![](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmSkLV1SKNKzm8hetWF8ft4N7QvoMiuW1s7UNq659TqXei/daikaku-ji-3.jpg)
![](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmQZ9WjuDjGA7vVchCCZibJAiaSzWa1fKWE6HEW8EP1zJh/daikaku-ji-4.jpg) Between the buildings, different atmospheres. Sometimes a moss garden, sometimes a dry garden, all immersed in the heart of nature. It's still very beautiful. ![](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmXdmQjdfbirpyDzJb3EyubA6JvGa2dHFQzj5kpqCBRso7/daikaku-ji-5.jpg)
![](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmThsdbc4niBPJVJVrHrqch6eC5aJtpyp6DtZEANyYP649/daikaku-ji-6.jpg)
![](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmWx1kDMYGM2KNhn98WH9mFJc9mNfZ3Go3ENtEmb2Mf59B/daikaku-ji-7.jpg) And then comes this little moment that will give all the importance to this visit. Many Buddhist monks go from building to building singing and praying. A little magic moment. With the few other visitors beside me, we are transported by the songs of those monks draped in their saffron robes and by the smell of incense. ![](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmSg2w5GadkNwd7kyvtY8i5dPkH3Dt4Rr2vJPgTJxWRF2J/daikaku-ji-8.jpg) At the end of the complex is a large pond, with a beautiful view of the surrounding nature. It is time for me to walk a few miles to get back. ![](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmYfHiSnyKGXYHz6hwatwsFTHTtbfdcNtGoYf6vekv7UsT/daikaku-ji-9.jpg) Back to Arashiyama station, and nearby I stop in front of another forest. If the bamboo was a unique moment, here are the kimonos! "Kimono Forest" is a collection of cylindrical pillars that were installed as part of the renovation of the station in 2013. The pillars are grouped together as a forest and a piece of textile evoking the kimono is displayed on each of the pillars. Each of the pillars is 2 meters high and there are about 600 of them, all installed on all the grounds of the station! ![](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmZEpqSndy4S19Cpd86PzHXfczjNq769fSTFiit3tdQsUp/kimono-1.jpg)
![](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmTmbVHFCsKR4a7ikgaSuyLGwjDLMob4cLtMpN98WovHZy/kimono-2.jpg) This is the end of my visit to Kyoto and its many treasures. In my [first article](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/they-lie-to-you-about-kyoto-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) on this city, I told you of my disappointment by noticing, at first glance, only urbanization, traffic and noise. Day after day, I discovered the true face of Kyoto by walking about 15 kilometers each day. If I retain the images of these wonderful temples and gardens, they would be nothing without the inimitable atmosphere of the city, which plays the role of binding. Kyoto would be nothing without its gardens, but these gardens would be nothing without Kyoto. -- @japon *** 01: [Travel diary in Japan, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/travel-diary-in-japan-by-japon-translation-from-french) 02: [Tokyo, overcrowded city? Really? by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/tokyo-overcrowded-city-really-by-japon-translation-from-french) 03: [Are the Japanese too disciplined? by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/are-the-japanese-too-disciplined-by-japon-translation-from-french) 04: [Going to Japan without speaking Japanese? by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/going-to-japan-without-speaking-japanese-by-japon-translation-from-french) 05: [Ueno, more than just a big park in Tokyo, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/ueno-more-than-just-a-big-park-in-tokyo-by-japon-translation-from-french) 06: [Asakusa, diving in the heart of Tokyo's historic district, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/asakusa-diving-in-the-heart-of-tokyo-s-historic-district-by-japon-translation-from-french) 07: [Ameyoko, Ueno's colorful market, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/ameyoko-ueno-s-colorful-market-by-japon-translated-from-french) 08: [Tsukiji, the largest fish market in the world, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/tsukiji-the-largest-fish-market-in-the-world-by-japon-translated-from-french) 09: [Climb the steps of Atago Jinja Shrine in Tokyo, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/climb-the-steps-of-atago-jinja-shrine-in-tokyo-by-japon-translated-from-french) 10: [Hama Rikyu, an exceptional park in the heart of Tokyo, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/hama-rikyu-an-exceptional-park-in-the-heart-of-tokyo-by-japon-translated-from-french) 11: [Jimbocho, old books and tempura, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/jimbocho-old-books-and-tempura-by-japon-translated-from-french) 12: [Shinjuku Gyoen Park and the best burger in the world!, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/shinjuku-gyoen-park-and-the-best-burger-in-the-world-by-japon-translated-from-french) 13: [One night in Shibuya, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/one-night-in-shibuya-by-japon-translated-from-french) 14: [Takeshita dori : this little street dedicated to fashion (and good crepes), by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/takeshita-dori-this-little-street-dedicated-to-fashion-and-good-crepes-by-japon-translated-from-french) 15: [They lie to you about Kyoto, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/they-lie-to-you-about-kyoto-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 16: [The temples and secret garden of Higashi in Kyoto, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/the-temples-and-secret-garden-of-higashi-in-kyoto-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 17: [Kinkaku-ji, the temple of the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/kinkaku-ji-the-temple-of-the-golden-pavilion-in-kyoto-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 18: [Ryoan-ji, the amazing stone garden in Kyoto, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/ryoan-ji-the-amazing-stone-garden-in-kyoto-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 19: [The Ninna-ji Temple and its extraordinary gardens, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/the-ninna-ji-temple-and-its-extraordinary-gardens-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 20: [Kyoto Gyoen, the Imperial Palace Park, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/kyoto-gyoen-the-imperial-palace-park-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 21: [Nishiki Market: A Must in Kyoto, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/nishiki-market-a-must-in-kyoto-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 22: [Ginkaku-ji, the temple of the silver pavilion in Kyoto, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/ginkaku-ji-the-temple-of-the-silver-pavilion-in-kyoto-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 23: [Meditate on the path of philosophy, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/meditate-on-the-path-of-philosophy-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 24: [Nanzen-ji, its impressive gate and two gardens, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/nanzen-ji-its-impressive-gate-and-two-gardens-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 25: [Heian-jinju: the big shrine and its garden that I almost missed, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/heian-jinju-the-big-shrine-and-its-garden-that-i-almost-missed-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 26: [Eikan-do, the temple of the momiji maples in Kyoto, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/eikan-do-the-temple-of-the-momiji-maples-in-kyoto-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 27: [Kodai-ji, a Kyoto temple dedicated to a woman's love for her husband, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/kodai-ji-a-kyoto-temple-dedicated-to-a-woman-s-love-for-her-husband-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 28: [Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, the streets of Higashiyama, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/sannenzaka-and-ninenzaka-the-streets-of-higashiyama-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 29: [Kiyomizu-dera, the temple of pure water in Kyoto, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/kiyomizu-dera-the-temple-of-pure-water-in-kyoto-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 30: [Tofuku-ji: the maple lookout point, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/tofuku-ji-the-maple-lookout-point-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 31: [Makis, Yasaka-jinja Shrine and Maruyama Park, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/makis-yasaka-jinja-shrine-and-maruyama-park-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 32: [Nijo Castle and its fabulous garden, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/nijo-castle-and-its-fabulous-garden-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 33:[Departure for Osaka and its castle, and announcement of a typhoon, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/departure-for-osaka-and-its-castle-and-announcement-of-a-typhoon-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 34: [Osaka, the garden Keitaku-en under a torrential rain, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/osaka-the-garden-keitaku-en-under-a-torrential-rain-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 35: [Doguya-suji, the kitchen market in Osaka, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/doguya-suji-the-kitchen-market-in-osaka-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 36: [Dōtonbori, the bustling district of Osaka, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/d-tonbori-the-bustling-district-of-osaka) 37: [Back to Kyoto and Typhoons, meetings and reunions, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/back-to-kyoto-and-typhoons-meetings-and-reunions-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 38: [Sanjūsangen-dō, the temple of a thousand and one statues, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/sanjusangen-d-the-temple-of-a-thousand-and-one-statues-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 39: [On the road to Fushimi Inari Taisha, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/on-the-road-to-fushimi-inari-taisha-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 40: [Daigo-ji, the large Buddhist complex built on a mountainside, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/daigo-ji-the-large-buddhist-complex-built-on-a-mountainside-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 41: [Departure for Nara, we look at the fallow deers and we mistake the garden, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/departure-for-nara-we-look-at-the-fallow-deers-and-we-mistake-the-garden) 42: [Isui-en, the big Japanese garden of Nara, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/isui-en-the-big-japanese-garden-of-nara-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 43: [Todai-ji, the temple with the huge Buddha statue in Nara, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/todai-ji-the-temple-with-the-huge-buddha-statue-in-nara-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 44: [Nara, from Nigatsu-dō to Kasuga, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/nara-from-nigatsu-d-to-kasuga-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 45: [Arashiyama, the district west of Kyoto and its bamboo plantation, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/arashiyama-the-district-west-of-kyoto-and-its-bamboo-plantation-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 46: [Tasting the serenity of Jojakko-ji Temple, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/tasting-the-serenity-of-jojakko-ji-temple-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 47: [Tenryū-ji, one of the most beautiful temples of Arashiyama, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/tenryu-ji-one-of-the-most-beautiful-temples-of-arashiyama-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 48: [I finally find the Gio-ji, this little Arashiyama moss garden, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/i-finally-find-the-gio-ji-this-little-arashiyama-moss-garden-by-japon-tranlated-from-french)