This tranquil video from Harukawa Film Works invites viewers on a visually soothing journey through some of Kyoto’s most famed gardens, capturing the city’s subtle and silent beauty. The film, titled ‘The Emerald Silence of Kyoto’, highlights the concept of ‘ao’—the deep, tranquil greens found in Kyoto’s moss gardens and water landscapes. Viewers can immerse themselves in the unique visual textures and light of these gardens, reflecting the Japanese appreciation for wabi-sabi and Zen-inspired scenery.

The video begins at Arashiyama Yusai-tei, a scenic spot nestled in the Arashiyama district, renowned for its picturesque river views, lush greenery, and traditional teahouse architecture. Arashiyama is one of Kyoto’s most popular destinations, especially famed for its seasonal changes and the iconic Togetsukyo Bridge nearby. The Yusai-tei offers visitors a space to appreciate refined interior design, panoramic window vistas, and the vibrant ‘ao’ created by moss and water elements.

Next, the journey moves to Ruriko-in, a temple famous for its vibrant moss garden and floor-reflective images, especially cherished during autumn and the lush green months. Located in the Sakyo Ward of northern Kyoto, Ruriko-in is a relatively recent addition to Kyoto’s list of must-visit seasonal spots, accessible to the public only during select periods each year. The lushness of the grounds dazzles with shades of green and deep serenity, inviting contemplation in a setting that feels removed from the city’s bustle.

Finally, the tour concludes at Saiho-ji, otherwise known as ‘Kokedera’ or the ‘Moss Temple.’ This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its over 120 species of moss carpeting the temple’s gardens, embodying the Zen principle of quiet reflection and harmony with nature. Entry requires advance reservation and participation in a short period of zazen meditation, preserving the temple’s serene atmosphere. Each location in the video showcases Kyoto’s mastery in garden design, where water, light, and greenery blend to create an unspoken, contemplative beauty.