A Tranquil Moment of Light and Shadow

#OsakaItinerary
In the early morning, I arrived at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, an ancient shrine dedicated to the god of learning, exuding a sense of tranquility in the dawn light. I quietly walked past the red torii gates, clasped my hands together, and felt the unique peaceful atmosphere of a Japanese shrine. In the afternoon, I took the train to Kyoto to visit Rurikoin, famous for its changing light and shadow through the four seasons. As soon as I stepped into the garden, I was surrounded by moss, maple trees, and stone lanterns, as if walking into a traditional Japanese painting. I slowly entered the temple’s study room, a spacious area covered with tatami mats, with the garden view outside the window unfolding like a painting. The most breathtaking sight was the famous "Rurikoin Reflection," where the smooth tabletop mirrored the maple leaves and moss, as if capturing the flow of the seasons in a single moment. I quietly sat down and savored a cup of fragrant sencha tea, letting my thoughts drift away with the garden’s tranquility. The afternoon sunlight filtered through the leaves, casting interwoven shadows on the table, dreamlike and surreal. This temple, far from the hustle and bustle, allowed me to find a moment of peace during my busy trip and appreciate the beauty of time flowing slowly.

Post by Angrybird11 | Mar 30, 2025