Garden of Anrakuji in Rice Field

An idyllic temple in the middle of nowhere

Takako Sakamoto Sep 28, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Moss-covered stones were here and there...look at how thick the moss grows!</p>

<p>A narrow path lined by tall trees beside the main hall caught my eye and I was drawn to it</p>

<p>A secret path led me to the back of the main hall</p>

<p>An ancient-looking stone lantern stood beside the path</p>

<p>Tall trees and bamboo leaves made me feel as though I was lost in an ancient forest</p>

<p>There was a small pond at the end of the path</p>

<p>Bamboo branches at the corner of the small garden</p>

<p>I don't know what these are but the leaves look like flowers</p>

<p>The garden can be accessed from the opposite side of the temple grounds as well (I entered the garden from the other side)</p>

<p>Spider lilies on the temple grounds</p>

<p>Silver grass in the already-harvested rice fields in which this temple stands</p>

<p>Trees are already turning yellow...autumn is coming!</p>

When I was strolling in my neighborhood the other day I noticed a small forest standing out in the middle of vast rice fields. Intrigued, I walked closer to it and found that it was a temple, surrounded by tall trees in the middle of nowhere. The temple is called 'Anrakuji', literally, the temple of peace, and belongs to the school of Jodo Shinshu. From the ancient look of some tomb stones on the premises, I would say this temple must have a long history, but unfortunately I couldn't get any information of it. However, the place was so serene and beautiful, and I enjoyed just being there and was glad to have found it. The garden itself is simple yet beautiful. For other photos of the temple, please see my other article.

Takako Sakamoto @takako.sakamoto

I was born in and grew up in Tokushima prefecture, and have lived in many places since then: Nishinomiya, Kyoto, Nara, Mie, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba, Fukuoka and Fukui. I am currently living in Yokohama City. All the places I lived, all the places I visited, I have loved dearly. The histor...