Most visitors to Gio-ji, a temple on beautifully mossy grounds in Arashiyama, walk right past the entrance to Danrin-ji. This temple dates back nearly 1000 years and its staff campaigns hard to encourage visitors to come inside, especially to see the autumn leaves. In truth, the garden is too tiny to merit the ¥400 admission charge. Even with the beautiful leaves, a walk through the grounds only takes about three minutes. But the temple priest is quite friendly and will gladly regale you with a description of the temple's treasures in the main hall.
Mandy Bartok @mandy.bartok
Japan resident for 10 years, with time spent in Okinawa, Kumamoto and Tokyo.
