Ryoanji, Kyoto, is best known for its rock garden. We chaperoned groups of students studying Japanese there on several occasions, but seldom found the peaceful calm in a tranquil contemplation of the rock garden itself. Too many tourists perhaps, or too hectic a schedule. We did, however, particularly enjoy walking through the beautiful grounds with its lake and outer gardens.

Here I am, appreciating a lovely new bamboo fence, on a trip with students in 1999. Some of the gardeners were even still working to complete the fence. Somehow, we were drawn to this place in the garden. Perhaps it was because it was just before leaving the main garden area, and we often set it to be the meeting point for students.

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A few snaps over the years, with changing fashions and hairstyles!

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My Ryoanji Haiku:

竹垣 が
年を追うごと
変わらない？

Kyoto bamboo fence
Do you show the signs of change
With each passing year?

Over the years, the bamboo fence went from fresh green through to showing its age. I guess I also showed some signs of change. Nevertheless, we looked forward to visiting this spot with each visit to Ryoanji, and with each group of students or other visitors we were showing around our favourite places in Kyoto, as part of our new tradition.

In 2018, we visited without a school group. Tom and I were travelling from the island of Shikoku, heading to meet a friend just out of Osaka. Why not make a stop in Kyoto just for an updated photo of “our fence”? We hadn’t visited since 2014, so it must be time for a photo!

So, a three-hour detour, three buses, and the entry fee paid just to go into the outer gardens, all to find that the transformation this year was not quite as expected …

Our beloved bamboo fence has been replaced with plastic! It’s just not the same!