The Timeless Gardens of Mirei Shigemori

It’s hard to find a spot in Kyoto that feels all your own. The city is dotted with famous temples and their gorgeous grounds, but it’s impossible to find one that isn’t crowded year round. What’s more, while each boasts historic sculptures of Buddha or painted screens, when you go for a look you find them roped off and placed in musty chambers dark enough to blur their venerable outlines.

Last fall, I followed a page in my guidebook to a place near Toufukuji Temple and discovered a cozy corner of the old capital that had previously eluded me. …»