I was awakened by the what sounded like a wildebeast snoring from the depths of its gut. It was Bojan on the bottom bunk. My thin mattress and pillow vibrated in time and it was clear I would net be getting back to sleep, so I emerged from the shared room of the other awakened souls to have a shower. After assessing the time, we grabbed a cab to Katsura not to risk being late.
This is my second time to Katsura, as the first was with my Parents back in January. The purpose of my visit was to simply absorb it more, and for Bojan it is his PHD subject. I have read briefly into its history and purpose but I tried to observe the garden as whole through a contemporary domestic lens. To digress a little (small forthcoming architecture ramble warning), Over the 17 acres, the Sukiya style structures composing of the main villa Shoin and complementary tea houses choreograph a overall sense of seclusion. Seclusion in this manner is defined as architecture, and its relationship to landscape, providing a place for its inhabitants to nurture thought, contemplation and the withdrawal into oneself. The teahouse and the art of 'tea' echoed into daily Edo life, and to a diluted and mutated degree, modern Japanese life. The Japanese appreciate and practice in the art of living, an act in which does not consciously exist in Western life or homes. Therefore, seclusion is quintessential in the modern home to help make one be conscious of their sentimental and intimate surroundings. Katsura and the Japanese Edo home define the responsibility of the modern home. It is a place where one can detach themselves from the persistent concern of the material world, and in the comfort of their own home, to protect and stimulate the human distinction of one's own existence. How this is achieved is significantly up to ones own attitude, and seclusion in domestic architecture develops and nurtures this attitude. My father, for example, on reoccurring occasions is labelled missing, only to be found on the small deck out the back, relaxed, with his eyes squinting in thought and a cigar nestled comfortably and naturally in his right hand.
The Following images are from the Kyoto Imperial Gardens and Palace. The palace was luckily open for 4 days to the public over the main hanami season.
After Bojan went off to his appointment at Sento Imperial Villa, myself Dejan and I all boarded bus to the North end of the Philosophers path.
After walking all the way from the end of the Philosophers path we headed towards Maruyama park where hanami festivities where in full swing. A few thousand people sprawled out in groups drinking, dancing, singing and socialising under the blooming sakura.
Kodai-ji zen garden lit up (below)
The brooding Kiyomizudera lit up under the clear night sky. (below)
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