Photo of the Day: Reaching New Heights

The rustling sound bamboo makes in the wind has been a favourite of mine since I arrived in Japan.

Having grown up in rural Ontario, Canada, it was a sound I’d never heard—believe me, it’s not quite the same as the sound of maple leaves in the wind. A subtle difference perhaps, but a difference nonetheless.

In Kamakura, there is a temple with an astounding bamboo forest. So famous for it’s bamboo, Hokoku-ji is often just called the bamboo temple.

Entrance to the temple itself is free—and it’s glorious in the fall, practically glowing yellow, red and orange from the ginko and maple trees, but entrance into the forest costs a few hundred yen. It is well worth the money, as the bamboo soars higher and greener than any I’ve ever seen.

Within the bamboo, there sits a little tea house. For an extra few hundred yen, you can buy a tea ticket at the entrance. If you’re lucky enough to get a seat, it’s a lovely way to appreciate the bamboo while quietly reflecting on life. Otherwise, it’s a bit of a tricky situation as you attempt to balance your tray and sip your matcha while standing in a crowd. Best to go early or on a weekday.