Third Kyoto stop with way too many photos to choose from. We think the cherry trees are about finished and, kaboom, we go to the spectacular Heian Shrine with an exquisite garden and WEEPING cherry trees. The round stepping stones in the pond were once pillars of a 16th century stone bridge across the Kamo River. Before we even go into the shrine we see the big red Torii Gate spanning the road… the largest in Japan. 
The designers pack vistas in every conceivable spot in this relatively small area. Every direction I look I feel the need to raise the camera. I think I took more photos per acre than any other garden -- trying to capture their clever use of materials and design. Many couples come here just to pose in their wedding or celebration finery and they have no trouble finding the perfect backdrop.
The Heian certainly warrants it's own page. Many of the shots I took were of their fence posts, water fountains, benches, footpaths… thinking there could be ideas here for Mead Botanical Garden. They charge a modest amount to enter and have several ways make a bit more money by selling wishes and blessings for tossed coins. On the shrine side those pink trees are actually dead twigs covered in small papers with prayers written on them. Put them on the tree and maybe they'll come true. Still, the best idea for Mead Garden? Bring several dozen of those gardeners home to Winter Park?
Merie made much of their designs with water; pond, creeks, water falls, islands a bit off center in most bodies of water. I started paying attention to the off center islands in most ponds and collected quite a few variations on this theme. 
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| 16th century stone bridge remnants |
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| Sitting on a rock looking over the pond |
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