Stockholm, 2014, Södermalm

This was sketched from Södermalm island. The main building on the left is Stockholm's Town Hall.

We stayed in Södermalm, which is maybe the most exciting neighborhood of the city.

Stockholm is one of my favorite European capitals : the topography, the skyline, the archipelago, the bike friendly culture, the summer energy you can breath here... just great.

Ryōan-ji, An iconic Zen Garden, Kyoto

This is, probably, the most world known and most iconic Zen Garden. It's located in a Zen temple in the northwest of Kyoto. 

Ryoan-ji means "the temple of the dragon at peace". The temple itself is great but the highlight for me was this garden : an image that I have seen so many times in the past as the ultimate example of sobriety, elegance and harmony.

It was a real delight to spend 30 minutes drawing this wonder.

Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto

Several temples are part of this big pilgrimage Buddhist complex in southern Kyoto. They are the 17th century reconstruction of the 8th century original temples. They are Unesco World Heritage listed.

The main building, which is represented in the sketch, is a massive wooden structure that supports a great veranda. The sight from the veranda is spectacular: Kyoto and the surrounding hills.

You can see some photos at this link : https://www.google.fr/search?q=kiyomizu-dera&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=xv3UU5uuF6e_0QXJ-4GQDg&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ&biw=1240&bih=664

Ninna-ji, Kyoto

This is Ninna-Ji, one of many temple complexes that Kyoto has.

The day we visited this temple complex, we also visited the Golden Pavillion (Kinkaku-ji), the Ryôan-ji which is famous for its zen garden.

This five storey pagoda was built in the 17th century. It is made of wood and it is hard to believe how high it is.

Imperial Palace, Kyoto

One of the highlights of our visit to Kyoto : the Imperial Palace.
A mix of a fortress, zen Japanese gardens and a monastery.

Mount Koya, Japan

These sketches were drawn in Mount Koya. We went there to see the location of the Shingon Buddhism, a sect founded by Kodo Daishi 1200 years ago. Since then, pilgrims have come from all over Japan  to visit his shrine. They believe that he is not dead, but in a state of deep meditation, and eventually, he will wake up at some stage.

The place is just amazing : temples, monasteries and graves  are spread all through a millenary forest. 

We stayed in one of these monasteries, a great way to get a little more into the local culture.

TAKAYAMA, JAPAN

This is a sketch of one of the wooden Buddhist temples in Takayama.  

Takayama is located in the Hida region. It is well know for the religious and folkloric festivities, and for its very well kept historical centre.

The shops in the traditional old center are a delight : row houses made of wood, sake shops, handcraft shops, and of course the always amazing Japanese food.