Dragon Palace Gate of Koshoji

Zen temple with beautiful white walled gate in Uji

Takako Sakamoto Dec 09, 2014 - 1 min read

Beautiful autumn leaves along Koto Slope. In spring, cherry blossoms, Japanese roses and azaleas will decorate the slope.

The main gate of Koshoji is made in the unique 'Dragon Palace Style', which features white walls

The morning sun filtering through the mist over Uji River as it flows from the mountains

Lattice windows of the wall give a Chinese atmosphere

Looking down at the main gate from the main hall

The belfry with the wooded hill in the background. Trees on the hill were not turning color yet.

Impressive stone garden with brilliant red Rokkaku-do Hall (Hexagonal Hall)

Stone lanterns on both sides, and the small princess pine trees at the entrance

The stone tower faces the right bank of Uji River. The Koto Slope starts from here.

In the early morning of November 23rd in 2014, I headed for Uji City in Kyoto to see the newly renovated Byodo-in Temple.

I arrived at Byodo-in before six o'clock and there was still time before the gate would open, so I decided to visit Koshoji Temple, which is known for its scenic pathway with beautiful maple leaves. I passed by local people walking or jogging here and there, but the temple was still silent. Since the temple gate is always open, I could come and go freely. I enjoyed the beautiful white wall of the main temple gate, which is famous for its 'Dragon Palace Style', and strolled the tranquil pathway called 'Koto Slope', which was decorated with gorgeous autumn leaves.

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...