Kyoto

Fresh Beauty at Chishaku-in Temple

Lots of surprises at a temple that feels new

Larry Knipfing Jul 11, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>This is the first gate you see from the street, but it is closed. Beautiful!</p>

<p>This unique, modern torii confused me</p>

<p>But once I stepped into the garden, I knew I was in safe hands</p>

<p>I visited in early May, during the busy Golden Week season, but things were quiet here</p>

<p>There were a few other people here, but not many</p>

<p>Quiet and peaceful - a perfect place to refresh your spirits</p>

<p>A simple yet beautiful sand garden</p>

<p>The beautiful wooden corridors were spotless and shined with care and love</p>

<p>Walkway leading to the main temple building</p>

<p>Looking out from the main temple building</p>

<p>Everything seems modern and new, yet not tacky at all</p>

When I saw the torii gate at Chishaku-in Temple, I didn't have overly high expectations - it seemed too new, abstract and fanciful. Well, I was wrong, happily wrong. This is a beautiful temple with beautiful wood floors and walkways, beautiful wall paintings, and a beautiful tranquil garden. The whole place is vibrant and shines with life. It is clean and well-cared for, fresh and refreshing, a quiet place to sit and lift your spirits. It is not visited by as many tourists as some of the other temples with gardens, so for me it was a perfect getaway! I visited in early May, and loved it!

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...