Run, sit, and head to Ninnaji Temple.
From the Kamogawa River, passing through Gion Shirakawa, our next stop was Ninnaji Temple. Founded in 888, this ancient temple features a five-story pagoda and the Kondo (Main Hall) lining the landscape beyond its tranquil palace grounds. It’s the perfect setting to capture the aesthetic sensibilities of Japanese gardens and ancient temples that serve as the backdrop for “Bondi 7 Beams.” Just when you thought they’d be strolling leisurely along the approach, the five of them broke into a run with the five-story pagoda behind them. In the white-sand South Garden, they even sat in a single file to practice zazen. The contrast between stillness and movement is truly unique. *Photographed with special permission.
The camouflage pattern featured in “Bondi 7 BEAMS” isn’t meant to conceal the wearer, but rather to express harmony with nature. The white color draws inspiration from the shadows cast by white sand and stones in a dry landscape garden, while the brown is inspired by the weathered appearance of wood used in ancient temples and the blue patina that forms on metal. If you look closely, you’ll even find the words “BEAMS” and “HOKA” hidden within the pattern. On that day, the South Garden of Ninnaji Temple was filled with neatly arranged white sand and buildings that had stood the test of time. Although it wasn’t a setting created specifically for the shoes, the colors and textures resonated with them in a truly remarkable way.
Oyakodon at "Toriganrou"
After a long walk and a good rest, we headed to the renowned restaurant “Toriwaro” in Kyoto’s Nishijin district for some oyakodon. The moment the bowls were brought to the table, the table—which had been so lively just a moment before—grew a little quieter. Now, our chopsticks moved faster than our conversation. “This might be the best oyakodon I’ve ever had!” said Ms. Inada. As similar comments were made, smiles naturally spread across everyone’s faces. As a lunchtime meal on our trip, it was the perfect bowl.
