THE BLOOD CEILINGS OF KYOTO



One of the most accessible of Kyoto's blood ceilings is located at Yogen-in Temple, walking distance from Kyoto Station. When I visited the main hall was unfortunately closed for repairs, so the best I can offer is this exterior shot. (Samuel Hawley photo, 2007)



Genkoan Temple in northern Kyoto. It is easy to get to and offers one of the best blood ceilings around. (Samuel Hawley photo, 2002)



Blood ceiling at Genkoan Temple. (Samuel Hawley photo, 2002)



Blood ceiling at Genkoan Temple. (Samuel Hawley photo, 2002)



A footprint on the Genkoan blood ceiling, one of the more identifiable stains that cover the boards. (Samuel Hawley photo, 2002)



A bus ride into the northwestern suburbs of Kyoto followed by a hike into the hills takes you to Shoden-ji Temple. (Samuel Hawley photo, 2007)



Shoden-ji's blood ceiling is situated above a veranda overlooking a Zen garden. (Samuel Hawley photo, 2007)



The 400-year-old boards of Shoden-ji's blood ceiling are covered with dark stains. (Samuel Hawley photo, 2007)



A close-up of some of the boards in Shoden-ji's blood ceiling. (Samuel Hawley photo, 2007)



An hour north of Kyoto by bus, in the rural setting of Ohara, is Hosen-in Temple, site of yet another blood ceiling. A guide is avaiable to point out the more significant stains. (Samuel Hawley photo, 2007)



Hosen-in's blood ceiling is set in an open-air hall overlooking a garden. (Samuel Hawley photo, 2007)



Hosen-in's blood ceiling. (Samuel Hawley photo, 2007)



Detail of Hosen-in's blood ceiling. The boards here are a warm honey shade, the stains more subtle than those at Genkoan. (Samuel Hawley photo, 2007)



Japanese visitors to Hosen-in usually sit in quiet complemplation of the garden, sipping the green tea that comes with the price of admission. Foreigners may prefer to bolt their tea and spend their time writhing about on their backs, taking photos. I did, anyway. (Samuel Hawley photo, 2007)



The garden view from Hosen-in Temple's main hall. The sprawling pine tree on the left is 700 years old. (Samuel Hawley photo, 2007)







copyright ï¿½ 2011 Samuel Hawley





































































