On the first day of my trip to Kyoto and Nara, I visited Tenryu-ji Temple and the second sub-temple I visited was Kohgen-ji Temple. When I presented the joint admission ticket with Hogen-in Temple, a woman who appeared to be Daikoku-san was in charge. She mentioned that if I wanted matcha tea for 500 yen, I could let her know at a convenient time. After touring the temple, I placed my belongings in a room in the main hall and requested tea. The matcha was smooth and mellow, with a gentle tannin aftertaste. The confection served was called "Gosho-guruma," a sweet white candy with a mild red bean paste filling that paired well with the matcha. Perhaps it was selected to reflect the image of the white sand in the rock garden. Thank you for the meal.

I visited this small temple near the entrance of Tenryu-ji Temple and close to the main street of Arashiyama. It was busier here compared to Hojo-in Temple. Even though I had already had matcha tea earlier, I decided to have it again here. I purchased a matcha ticket at the reception, and when I sat down and waited, they brought it to me. The Japanese sweet here was called Rakugan from Oimatsu, with a soft outer layer that crumbled easily and a red bean paste filling. I personally preferred this one. It was delicious and made me feel warm and cozy.

(2014.11/Revisit) Kogenji Temple, Kyoto City, Ukyo Ward During my recent short trip back home for autumn leaf viewing, one of the highlights was the special autumn viewing at Kogenji Temple and Hogenin Temple. Admission fee is 500 yen. Kogenji Temple showcases the works of modern Japanese painting master Takeuchi Seiho and his disciples on fusuma sliding doors. Hogenin Temple features fusuma paintings in the main hall and a strolling-style landscape garden called "Shishi Koe no Niwa." Both special viewings were quite impressive. Kogenji Temple is a sub-temple of the Rinzai sect's Tenryuji Temple. It was founded in 1429 by Hosokawa Ukyo Daifu Mochiyuki, the regent of the Muromachi Shogunate, who invited the grandson of Tenryuji's founder, Priest Gyokusho, to serve as the founding abbot. The temple was named Kogenji after Mochiyuki's title. After viewing the fusuma paintings, I requested tea service. Tea: 500 yen (tax included) The tea was served with sweet red bean paste in the shape of an old pine tree. The grainy sweetness of the red beans complemented the tea well. Enjoying a break while gazing at the Tiger Roar Garden. Even the frogs seemed more refined at times. There were several sword scars on the pillars inside the temple, said to be test cuts by soldiers from the Choshu Clan who participated in the Hamaguri Gate Rebellion. It's a reminder of the tumultuous history in this area. A fascinating glimpse into the past. Thank you for the meal.

Hankyu Arashiyama Line, Arashiyama Station, North (Randen) Keifuku Electric Railroad Arashiyama Main Line, Arashiyama Station, right in front, Tenryuji Temple sub-temple Kohgenji. The garden was beautiful with greenery flourishing a little early for autumn leaves. I was surprised by the power of the sword scars from the end of the Edo period that remain on the pillars of the main hall. I was amazed by the face of the national designated important cultural property, Bishamonten standing statue at the entrance before the building. From October 6th (Saturday) to December 9th (Sunday) from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, there was a special autumn visitation period with a tea ceremony with matcha and Japanese sweets. Let's take a break and enjoy a leisurely stroll in Kyoto in autumn with a view. Matcha for 500 yen, plus an additional 500 yen for the visitation fee at Kohgenji. Enjoyed on tatami mats with no tables, the matcha was delicious, especially with the beautiful garden view. And the deliciousness of the pine needle-shaped sweet. The texture was crispy on the outside and melted in the mouth, with a subtle sweetness and elegant red bean paste inside. Enjoyed the special autumn visitation tea ceremony at Hogenji, Iida, with the same additional fee of 500 yen for the visitation.