Kyoto, in Sound • Episode 05
A podcast series which asks the people who live in this city to talk about their favourite sounds.
In the last episode of the Kyoto, in Sound podcast, I found a rare moment of perfect alignment at Jodo-ji with Kacchan. The chanting monks and the crows all calling out to one another. It was incredibly peaceful.
And for this episode, I went in search of a similar feeling but in a different place.
I headed to Osawa Pond—the oldest garden pond in Japan, built by Emperor Saga specifically for viewing the moonrise. A place that was made to be a tranquil sanctuary. A friend recommended it to me. My plan was simple: record the “winter stillness” that he had promised me would be there if I visit.
But Kyoto had other plans of course.
I arrived to find a gardener feeding an entire grove of trees into a wood chipper. And across the water? Construction work. The rhythmic clack-clack-clack of heavy wooden mallets. Just a bit different from what I was expecting!
I’m sharing this a little later than usual (I usually pop into your inbox on Thursdays). But to be honest, this video took me a bit longer to put together. I enjoy making these so I wanted to take the time to make it look right 🙏
This episode is a good reminder that sometimes, the solace we’re looking for doesn’t necessarily appear from silence.
If you’d like to hear the “cacophony edition” for yourself—or if you’re planning a trip to Kyoto and want to experience the city on a guided Sound Walk with me—please book over at www.kyotoinsound.com.
The Kyoto, in Sound podcast is also available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Fountain.fm. Please share with anyone who you think may enjoy it.
Apologies for the delay, but I hope this one was worth the wait.
🍂 SJF
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