Moments That Stay Forever

Written by Mie Huntley

Hi, I’m Mie Huntley, a College Program Coordinator at CIEE Kyoto. I first joined the team in June 2025 as a seasonal staff member supporting the Summer Programs. Since September, I’ve stepped into a permanent role, and I’m thrilled to be part of this vibrant and inspiring community. This year marks the beginning of a new chapter for me here in Kyoto.

In this blog, I’d love to share my deep affection for this city.

A Life in Transit, A Heart in Kyoto
 

Higashiyama, the morning sunlight shines the Kamo River

I was born in Osaka and spent my university years in Kyoto. My commute to campus took about 30 minutes by train from my hometown in Osaka, and each day I arrived at Demachiyanagi Station—the final stop on the Keihan Line—I was greeted by the serene flow of the Kamo River and the tranquil beauty of Tadasu-no-Mori at Shimogamo Shrine. I vividly remember one winter morning when I stepped off the train to find snow gently falling, a moment that made me feel the unique climate of Kyoto’s basin firsthand.

After graduating, I worked as a high school art teacher while volunteering at an NPO supporting migrant women and children living in Japan. Through this experience, I met people from diverse backgrounds, which opened my eyes to the world beyond Japan for the first time.

Later, I set off on a working holiday to Australia, which turned into 15 incredible years living there with my family of four. We raised our children in a place where nature was woven into daily life—koalas nestled in eucalyptus trees, kangaroos bounded through the bush, and breathtaking beaches were just around the corner. It was one of the most fulfilling and joyful chapters of my life.

Each time we returned to Japan, we made sure to visit Kyoto. In 2018, we had the opportunity to move to Japan and spent about 18 months living in Kyoto. Although the pandemic led us to return to Australia, our love for Kyoto remained strong. In the spring of 2024, we decided to move back to Kyoto with our family.

Where Seasons Speak and Gardens Listen

Kyoto is a place where the changing seasons can be felt intimately, offering a sense of peace and grounding. The city’s monthly traditional festivals and ceremonies are unlike anything found elsewhere, adding to its unique charm.

Among Kyoto’s many treasures, I am most captivated by its gardens. Japanese gardens are known for three representative styles: dry landscape gardens (枯山水), strolling gardens (池泉回遊式庭園), and tea gardens (露地), each offering a distinct expression of seasonal beauty and cultural depth.

My fascination with gardens began in high school, when I first encountered the work of Isamu Noguchi. His designs resonated deeply with me. While he’s best known as a sculptor, Noguchi was also a visionary landscape architect. His Akari light sculptures, crafted from Washi paper, have gained international recognition. What captivated me most were his gardens—modern in form yet grounded in traditional Japanese aesthetics. Their distinctive harmony and depth left a lasting impression that continues to inspire me.

Seeing his garden designs in an art book inspired me to pursue studies at an art university. My passion for gardens never faded, and I eagerly attended lectures on garden design, exploring not only Japanese gardens but also French geometric gardens, Islamic gardens with their stunning use of water, and picturesque English gardens. The more I learned, the more fascinated I became.

My first overseas trip was a solo journey to Vienna, Austria, and Granada, Spain. In Vienna, I encountered the architecture of the Vienna Secession and had the rare opportunity to view masterpieces by Salvador Dalí, Pablo Picasso, and Joan Miró. But the most unforgettable moment came in Granada, where I visited Islamic mosques and the majestic Alhambra Palace—places I had only imagined through books. Standing before these wonders, I was overwhelmed by a sense of awe that remains etched in my heart to this day.

Entsuu-ji Temple

What I find most enchanting about Japanese gardens is their ability to reflect the changing seasons. My favorite gardens are Entsuji Temple, which uses Mount Hiei as borrowed scenery, and Murin-an, a compact yet richly expressive garden. No matter how many times I visit, the view is never the same, and each visit brings new discoveries.
Visiting a garden is akin to meditation. The quiet, contemplative atmosphere offers a sense of purification that is difficult to express in words. I highly recommend everyone to visit Kyoto—or any of Japan’s exquisite gardens. I’m certain you’ll experience moments that stay with you forever.

Murinan

 

A Garden of Our Own

Our Tiny Japanese Garden in the backyard

Recently, my love for gardens has deepened even more. In 2025, my beloved husband and I created a small Japanese garden in our backyard for our family. We carefully selected and purchased Kurama-ishi stones—beautiful bluish granite quarried from the area around Mount Kurama in Kyoto, long used in Japanese gardens to evoke a sense of dignity and elegance. We arranged the space around a striking black pine tree that resembles a bonsai. Even caring for the pine is a profound practice: pinching buds before summer, and removing old needles in autumn and winter. Each season brings its own rhythm and attention.

Participating in the Garden Care Study Session hosted by Murin-an

To deepen my understanding of Japanese garden care, I regularly attend study sessions hosted by Murin-an, where I admire its beautiful garden with a river running through it. Most weekends, I spend time with my family or focus on creating illustrations—my other area of expertise. If you happen to be exploring Kyoto’s gardens, you might see me there. If you do, please feel free to say hello!