The Suirokaku Aquaduct that lies just behind Nenzenji Temple complex at the foot of Higashiyama Hills was constructed in year 1891. The distinct ancient Roman look structure was part of the canal that channel water from Lake Biwa to Kyoto City in the past. It was designed by a then 21 years old young engineer who was inspired by the style of water bridges in Rome. Basing on his design, the canal was built into a 13 linked up red brick European styled arch bridges. This is one of the early example in public construction of Meiji Period (1868-1012) that was influenced with Western culture.
Suirokaku Aquaduct is one of the most valuable treasure in the field of engineering work in Japan.
Suirokaku Aquaduct measured with a length of 93.17 meters at a height of 13 meters by 4.6 meter in width, with 2.42 meters wide water channel at top.
The flight of stone steps will lead you to the top of the arched bridge to watch how the old canal works and to visit Nanzen-in which was the foundation site of Nanzenji in 14th century.
It is interesting to have a view on how the water channel winding amidst inside the thick wood on top of the arched bridges.
Paths run alongside the canal lead into surrounding forest.
At the site of Aquaduct canal, concealed in the depth of the lush woods, there is also a small Shrine near the waterfall, dedicated to Immutable Lord Deity Acalanatha.
Japanese devotees believed that Deity of Immovable Lord can bring for you monetary fortune. Incredibly unbelievable, there was nobody here!
The place is absolutely serene and quiet! It is indeed an ideal place to practice zen and meditation or doing some spiritual retreat.
Enter from a little creek nearby Aquaduct, is the oldest sub-temple of Nanzen-ji Complex, Nanzen-in. It was the original retreat palace of Emperor Kameyama who took refuge in Zen Buddhism and left home as a monk from here. He gave away the place and converted it into a Zen Temple in year 1291. The site contains the mausoleum of Emperor Kameyama and a serene moss garden surrounded by Momiji trees and azaleas.
The garden has a pond with several tiny inlets, the shape of one was like the Chinese character " 心 xin" meaning heart
Garden is the charm of Nanzen-in.
The foliage in the garden is said to be extraordinarily attractive but I came a bit earlier and missed it.
The little royal garden of Nenzen-in is rather lovely and charming.
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