Exploring the Kurodani Cemetery - 1

Surprising images from a unique Kyoto landmark

Larry Knipfing May 24, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>There is something dignified about the way he sits and the look on his face</p>

<p>This statue took my breath away. I think I took over 50 pictures of it</p>

<p>The base of the same unique stones seen from the side</p>

<p>An old lantern statue against an old wooden fence</p>

<p>A corner of the cemetery looking down the hill</p>

<p>An old plastic bib protects the statue from the elements</p>

<p>A collection of stones in the shape of a pyramid</p>

<p>This stone is partially tipped over, perhaps due to the shaking of an earthquake</p>

<p>At the base of the pagoda, looking down on the cemetery and the city of Kyoto</p>

Call me strange, but I really love cemeteries. Not the kind with straight rows and green grass. I like old cemeteries that spread out in every direction, with surprises in store around every turn. Kurodani Temple's cemetery in Kyoto is exactly like that. I spent three hours here, in pure bliss, on a beautiful morning in early May. During the three hours, I met a handful of people but basically had the place to myself almost the entire time. I chatted with a man from the neighborhood for 10 minutes or so as we sat together in front of the pagoda at the top of the long stairs that climb the hill. The view of the city spread out below us was magnificent. It was quiet and peaceful, and I was thankful to be there.

Photo Story 1 | Photo Story 2 | Quiet & Tranquil

Larry Knipfing @larry.knipfing

Born on Long Island, New York in 1958, I have spent the last 30 years of my life living in Japan, and enjoying every minute of it! I especially love photography, and Japan is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the world to photograph! My other love is fiction writing and I have pub...