Kyoto

Agonshu Head Temple in Kyoto

Impressive temple in the hills of Higashiyama

Cathy Cawood Oct 04, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Purple curtains flutter in the wind</p>

<p>A glimpse of the temple roof over the wall</p>

<p>The large and  impressive main hall</p>

<p>Some talented garden designer has done an excellent job of creating this view!  </p>

<p>Temple building behind a hedge of camellias</p>

<p>The bare branches of a weeping cherry promise spring beauty near one of the temple buildings</p>

<p>New Year decoration on an Ojizo Shrine nearby</p>

<p>Ojizo statue looking out on the world</p>

A friend told me that the Society of Agonshu is a cult, but after seeing their English website it is probably fairer to describe them as a new-ish fundamentalist sect of Buddhism. The main hall of their head temple on the hills of Higashiyama is an impressive building in a beautiful setting. They have several interesting events throughout the year including a fire festival at New Year and a lantern festival at Obon in August. You can hike up to the temple from Rokusho Shrine in Yamashina, or from Awata Shrine near Keage and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.

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...