Kyoto

Autumn at Goryo Shrine in Kyoto

Sunlight makes leaves glow above an intriguing statue

Cathy Cawood Dec 11, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>I don't know the story behind this statue, but I want to!</p>

<p>There is an intriguing statue with five small children and a large urn</p>

<p>The beautiful main hall of the shrine</p>

<p>Gingko, maple and cherry glow brightly in the sunshine</p>

<p>Fallen leaves along the side of the main hall</p>

<p>Stone torii under tall maple trees</p>

<p>Leaves scattered on the path under a small tunnel or red torii</p>

<p>Orange maple leaves against the dark wood of the eaves</p>

<p>A branch of red leaves hangs over a small shrine building</p>

<p>A tall yellow gingko tree catches the light  </p>

<p>There are seats underneath this building raised on stilts</p>

I passed the gate of this very pretty shrine in Northern Kyoto several times, but I never entered it until recently, drawn in by the splendid autumn colors I could see behind the walls. Goryo Shrine dates from the Heian Era, and is believed to be the place at which the Onin War began. These days it hosts an annual festival complete with period costumes and horses, a small monthly flea market. I was fascinated by the unusual statue featuring five small children and a huge urn - I know there must be an interesting story behind it!

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...