Explore Aman Kyoto's secret garden
In the early Edo period, Kyoto’s Takagamine area was the site of Hon'ami Koetsu, a Japanese craftsman and calligrapher. Throughout his lifetime (1558 – 1637) Koetsu’s work established the area as a major base for arts and culture, leading to the creation of an Art Village in Takagamine in 1615. Today, it is the site of Aman Kyoto’s secret gardens, which trace the area’s dynasty and connect guests to nature and the spirit of the historic site. At 32 hectares in size, in the summer it flourishes with Japanese maples, Kitayama cedars and a plethora of blooms, from azaleas and peonies to hydrangeas and irises, waiting to be discovered.
Meditate with Zen Buddhist monks
Taking place in an ancient hall overlooking a beautiful Japanese garden, Aman Kyoto guests can learn and practice the principles of Zen meditation from a local monk, finding a sense of calm in a meaningful, yet light-hearted and engaging process.
Step back in time
Kamishichiken is the oldest of Kyoto’s hanamachi – the ‘flower towns’ of the geikos (the Kyoto term for geisha). With a personal invitation to enter, Aman Kyoto guests can visit an ancient ochaya (tea house) and spend an afternoon and evening with a geiko or a maiko apprentice, playing ozashiki, drinking tea and enjoying a dance performance and dinner.
Practise the mindful art of Ikebana
In Japan, the practice of flower arrangement is as much as form of moving meditation as it is an aesthetic art. Aman guests are invited to spend time with an Ikebana expert, transforming seasonal flowers into structurally magnificent arrangements of colour and form. For guests wishing to explore another dimension of Japanese botanical art, Aman Kyoto’s gardeners can offer instruction in the discipline of miniature garden design.
Miniature Japanese garden
In general, Japanese gardens are an arrangement of wood, stone, moss, soil, and waterscapes. It is truly a living art. Aman Kyoto guests can touch the moss, soil and stone to enjoy the experience of making an original pot garden. Aman Kyoto’s gardener will offer instruction in the discipline of miniature garden design.