December 6th, clear skies. Today’s plan was to head to Yura in Kyotango, but the weather was so perfect that I took a stroll around Tenryū-ji Temple in Arashiyama during the morning.

Arashiyama, where autumn leaves still lingered, was bathed in beautiful light, shining like a world of Kegon.

Tenryū-ji Temple was founded in the 14th century by Ashikaga Takauji to mourn Emperor Go-Daigo. Though repeatedly struck by fire and rebuilt, by the time it was restored in the Meiji era, it had shrunk to about one-tenth of its original size. Even so, its vast grounds, which incorporate the mountain as its garden, are a World Heritage Site.

We inspected the art museum and rooftop at Arashiyama Station. Afterwards, we headed to Kyotango Yura.

Along the way, we had lunch—a wild game rice bowl piled high with mountain vegetable tempura was delicious, so we took photos.

In Kyotango Yura, there is a splendid residence that will serve as my friend Mr. Kito’s new base of operations.

The main house is currently under renovation, with plans to transform the detached tea room into a tea salon where many people can gather. On this day, Shiozawa gave a hanging scroll by Paul Klee was presented for the alcove of the tea room.

The tea room is enclosed by plain white sliding doors, and it was decided that Shiozawa would paint the sliding doores.

It seems an image of the room came to Shiozawa, one scattered with poems inspired by the name of a hanging scroll by Klee.

The large facility next door is also up for sale, and Shiozawa seems to like it very much.

Just a minute’s walk away is a charming station building.

At the station café, I learned that the neighbors are welcoming the Kito family, including their children, who have moved into this small village.

 I’m looking forward to what comes next.