Koetsu-ji Temple, Kyoto

Once the stomping ground of the most sophisticated person of 16th-century Kyoto, Koetsu Hon Ami, this temple has not one, not two, but seven teahouses—each encircled by its own bamboo fence. Koetsu was a trailblazer in Japanese art, ushering in new waves of creativity that rippled through the lives of everyday folks straight from the hands of the artists themselves.

Before he was a tea master and all-around artsy fella, Koetsu was slated to be the heir to his family's sword-making business. But by the time he hit adulthood, he found himself drawn to the world of art like a moth to a flame. From calligraphy to ceramics, lacquerware to publishing, Koetsu was a jack-of-all-trades and a master of, well, all of them.

As the winds of change blew in from China, threatening to sweep away Japan's traditional arts, Koetsu stood firm, determined to preserve them for future generations. He set up shop at Koetsu-ji, transforming it into a hub of creativity where new waves of Japanese art crashed onto the shores of common citizens' lives.

Now, the seven teahouses dotting the temple grounds each come with their own style. While you might not be able to peek inside most days, you can still soak in the serenity of the garden and drink in the mountain views from benches or gazebos strategically placed for maximum relaxation.

And speaking of strategic placement, Koetsu didn't skimp on the details. The stepping stones leading to the teahouses? Some are round, others sharp and flat, arranged in straight lines or curved, just to keep things interesting.

So, if you're craving a taste of the past with a side of artistic flair, Koetsu-ji is the place to be. Just don't forget to take a moment to appreciate the masterful touch of Koetsu himself, whose legacy lives on.