Cool Starbucks store - Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku

Kyoto Karasuma Rokkaku

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Kyoto was political and cultural center of Japan for over 1,000 years and a lot of temples and shrines were built. However, starting from the middle of the 15th century, there was about 100 years long war period. Kyoto and its suburbs were burnt down and it looked far from the beautiful capital city it used to be. In addition, Japanese historic buildings are often rebuilt after it was destroyed by the disaster, fire, earthquakes, heavy rains, etc.

Rokkaku-do

Rokkaku-do is the temple believed to have been established in 6th century but the building in existence was rebuilt in 1877. "Rokkakudo" means "Hexagonal temple" and the formal name of the temple is "Chouhouji". Literally, the shape of main temple is hexagonal.

http://www.zekkeikana.com

This temple has an interesting origin, it was founded in 587 by Prince Shotoku who established a political system for the first time in Japan, or there is a stone called "Heso-ishi", It means "bellybutton stone" of Kyoto. That's probably why Rokkaku-do was popular for the people in Edo period. But honesty speaking, historical value is not so big.

Ikebana

http://www.ikebanabyjunko.com

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Rokkaku-do is not known for the building but the site of the birth and development of ikebana, Japanese flower arrangement. The beauty of a flower arrangement lies in its asymmetrical balance, respect for the individual flower and harmony with nature as a whole. 

http://www.ija.ie/calendar

http://4travel.jp

The oldest school of ikebana dates its beginnings from a priest of the Rokkakudo Temple, Ikenobo Senkei in the 15th century, who was expert in flower arrangement and he became attached to the priests there who specialized in these altar arrangements. Ikebana was one of the arts in which women were traditionally schooled in preparation for marriage. Today, it is practiced on many occasions like ceremonies and parties, and modern people are still choosing to study the art.

Headquarters of Ikenobo 

This Starbucks is under the Ikenobo Headquarter located next to the Rokkakudo Temple. If you are interested in the Ikebana, I strongly recommend to visit the headquarter. It has the guide service for visitors through the Museum and grounds, ikebana supply store, and brief visits to classrooms if classes are in session. Besides, it sponsors the seasonal exhibitions and you may watch the exhibits by the masters.