Statues of monks holding an arm wrestling match (Photo: Cathy Cawood)

Jokei Temple in Kanagawa

Home of some very special statues

Cathy Cawood   - 1 min read

A photo of a cell-phone using monk statue seen on the internet piqued my curiosity, and led me to Jokei-ji in Kanagawa. In June the garden of this very pretty temple is full of hydrangea blooms. However the true charm of this temple is the many small statues of monks scattered around the garden. Moss and lichen give the statues a patina of age, but the monks are engaged in some very modern activities, like taking photos and using laptop computers. Also their faces and postures are so very human and lifelike. I can't help smiling every time I remember them!
 

Cathy Cawood

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

 I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...