Shosei-en (渉成園)

Shosei-en is a garden that is part of nearby  Higashi Hongan-ji.  The garden was nicely designed with spots and walking paths. According to its guide-book, the garden was named from an ancient Chinese essay (歸去來兮辭) circa 400AD. In one line 園日涉以成趣 it means “pleasure from daily stroll in garden”. Indeed it is. Besides, as the day was calm, the reflections in the pond were impressive. There were fewer visitors than in other popular koyo spots.

Higashi Hongan-ji (東本願寺)

From Shosei-en, we headed to Kyoto station and stopped by Higashi Hongan-ji. The Ginkgo trees have clearly passed its peak with many fallen leaves. There were many visitors on that morning, with loads of coaches parked outside. While we were leaving, I spotted a crane while I was reading the slogan on the outer wall.

Hiyoshi Taisha (日吉大社)

After lunch we took train to Biwako – the largest lake in Japan. Before checking in the onsen ryokan, we visited Hiyoshi Taisha at the foothill of Hieizan. It seems that macaque is worshiped there. Along the path, there was a long row of Chrysanthemums with awards. 

Kaiseki dinner in Roan Kikunoi (露庵菊乃井)

==> Ogoto onsen hotel ==>