Nobotoke-an (lit. “garden of the stone buddhas”) is a hermitage-turned-temple located in Upper Ichijōji. It was built by Ueda Tan’an (上田堪庵), a master of tea and collector of old art born in 1906 as his private residence and later, after his death, was converted into a temple. Although located next to very famous spots, Nobotoke-an remains quiet even during high season. The center of Nobotoke-an is a rural-style house in an architecture that is highly unusual for Kyōto. There, a bowl of Maccha awaits the visitor in the central tearoom from where a small Karesansui garden can be enjoyed along with numerous art pieces. From a nearby tearoom, overlooking northern Kyōto makes one dream how this view was a century from now. From the main building, a path leads down into a bamboo forest directly above Enkō-ji. Dozens and dozens of the name-giving small Buddha statues (nobotoke) are scattered throughout this area, as are a small pond, numerous other small tea houses, and a large stone Buddha (sekibutsu). In autumn, this area is covered in maple leaves, transforming this garden into a true space of tranquillity. Nobotoke-an is best visited in late April (Wisteria season) and in November (Momiji season), but essentially always worth a visit if you happen to be in the area on an open day. Admission: Wednesday, Saturday-Sunday, Holidays. Irregularly closed. Nearby places of interest: Enkō-ji, Shisen-dō, Hachidai Shrine, Tanukidani Fudō-in.