I visited the Arashiyama district outside Kyoto to see the remarkable bamboo forest there, but I also found a few gems in my wanderings. Jojakko-ji Temple is one of those. The temple was founded in 1596, and its grounds spread across a hillside are wondrous. Everywhere you look, there are dozens of shades of greens interwoven into the forest landscape. I found it to be an unexpected pleasure. Check back tomorrow to see photos of the famous bamboo grove nearby.

Title quote: Pico Iyer, Video Night in Kathmandu and Other Reports from the Not-So-Far East