Mar 3, 2014 - 1 min read

Sekisanzenin

Moss, lanterns and maple leaves

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

Looking through the gate into late afternoon sunlight

Stone lanterns and paper lanterns

Mossy stone path bordered with gravel

The gardener's cart

Unusual gate like a string of prayer beads

Red lanterns contrast with green maple leaves

Sunlight filtered through bamboo illuminates a collection of small statues

Beautifully shaped roof

Statues and banners

Wooden doors beneath a row of red paper lanterns

Antique machinery... perhaps a pump?

Path along the side of the temple

I found this temple accidentally on one of my cycling explorations of North-East Kyoto. I later read that this 9th century temple has lovely red maple leaves in autumn, but I visited in mid-summer when green was the predominant color. Thick moss carpeted the ground under the trees, and many stone lanterns stood beside the long driveway. The buildings were distinctive and quietly beautiful. The only other person there was a gardener, and the sense of hushed calm was unbroken.

Was this article helpful?

Help us improve the site

Give Feedback

Cathy Cawood

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

Following Follow

James Forest

James Forest 12 years ago

Lovely

Reply

1 comment in total

Thank you for your support!

Your feedback has been sent.