Seeing with Mind's Eyes — Colours of Japan

Some photographs taken during my first trip (ever!) to Japan in January 2009—Tokyo, and the most magical place I have ever visited, Kyoto. The beauty of Kyoto is sublime and very inspiring, and the city has a wonderfully spiritual feel to it, so amazingly rich in culture and art. People in Kyoto are also very friendly, and I felt relaxed (despite being completely unlike me and visited 12 sites in 3 days!) and at ease being there. I like how Kyoto still has a rather traditional atmosphere. I find it a personable and lovely place, in addition to (and in spite of) its overwhelming cultural significance.

Green (京都 西芳寺). Saihoji, Kyoto.
Unlike other famous temples, Saihoji is located in a secluded residential area quite far away from the city centre. Before allowed to wander around the moss garden, we went through zazen and chanting of Prajñāpāramitā (Heart Sutra) in a beautiful little room even more freezing cold than outdoors! The pond is shaped in the Chinese character 心 'shin' (meaning 'heart' or 'mind'). It was a rather surreal experience.

Red (京都 伏見稻荷大社). Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto.

Pink (東京 明治神宮). Saké offerings at Meiji Jingu, Tokyo.

Brick (京都 南禅寺). Nanzenji, Kyoto.

Rainbow (京都 伏見稻荷大社/ Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto). Ema (絵馬/ wooden plaques) and Senbazuru (千羽鶴/ Thousand Cranes) are handmade by people embarking on pilgrimage to the shrine for their prayers to be answered and wishes to come true.

Azure, orange & grey (京都 清水寺/ Kiyomizudera, Kyoto).

Champagne, onyx & red. Close-up of the wallpaper in our hotel room in Tokyo.

Pastels. Lovely wintertime florals near Ginkakuji (京都 銀閣寺).

Gold (京都 金閣寺). Kinkakuji, Kyoto.
Like Sanjusangendo, Kinkakuji is an "experiential" place. Unless one is actually there, seeing the golden-hued, perfectly balanced and harmonious reflection of this extraordinary beauty upon the Tranquility Pond, it is impossible to express how transcendent and mind-blowingly stunning the whole experience is, however many iconic photographs one might have seen. The aura and gorgeousness of Kinkakuji simply cannot be expressed with words or conveyed in photographs.

Celadon (東京 明治神宮). Meiji Jingu, Tokyo.

Terracotta (Floating masks at Touzan - a great Japanese restaurant inside Hyatt Regency Kyoto.)

Tibetan yellow (東京 明治神宮). Meiji Jingu, Tokyo.

Sky, ebony & white (京都 八坂神社/ Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto).

Orange (京都 八坂神社/ Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto).

Canary (near 京都 鈴蟲寺/ Suzumushidera, Kyoto).

Lake green, orange & black (京都 伏見稻荷大社/ Fushimi Inari Taisha, Kyoto).

Gorgeous shop window on Shijo-dori in Kyoto.

Jasper & jade (京都 八坂神社/ Yasaka Shrine, Kyoto).

Purple & red (東京 明治神宮). Saké offerings at Meiji Jingu, Tokyo.

Brick, beige & grey (Kyoto National Museum).

Kyoto National Museum is a beautiful building, a rather interesting contrast to all the temples and shrines with a distinctive Japanese aesthetic. Works very well in my opinion.

Orange, white & celadon (東京 明治神宮). Meiji Jingu, Tokyo

Orange & grey (京都 三十三間堂/ Sanjusangendo - officially known as "Rengeō-in" 蓮華王院, Kyoto).

Red & rainbows (Wedding shop window at Meiji Jingu).

Blue, grey & white (京都 南禅寺). Nanzenji, Kyoto.

Cobalt & chartreuse (Hyatt Regency Kyoto).

If you would like to see more photographs of my Japan trip, visit here, here and here. The albums also include some shots taken in Singapore and Taiwan.