Nanzen-ji Temple🌸

Nanzen-ji Temple, where the cherry blossoms beautifully frame the red brick arches of the Suirokaku aqueduct. 🌸

Originally built as a grand detached palace for Emperor Kameyama, this site was transformed into a Zen temple in 1291. It is said that the first abbot, Mukan Fumon, cleared the palace of "monsters" through the sheer power of his silent meditation—a testament to the unwavering spirit of Zen.

There is a profound historical link between Zen and Matcha. In ancient times, Zen monks drank matcha to sharpen their focus and stay awake during long hours of meditation. Walking through these hallowed grounds today, I feel that legacy still breathing in the air.

Taking a moment to enjoy a bowl of matcha here, amidst the layers of history and the fleeting beauty of spring, feels like a true alignment of soul and sense. 🍵