Horin-ji Temple, Arashiyama, Kyoto

Coming of age, sakura, and spring

Larry Knipfing Apr 16, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Statue of a ram, looking towards the Horin-ji Temple pagoda</p>

<p>Kokuzo Bodhisattva greeting visitors to the temple</p>

<p>The pagoda during cherry blossom season</p>

<p>Looking down on Togetsukyo Bridge from the heights of the temple grounds</p>

<p>Reflection in a cistern that collects water from the roof of the temple building when it rains</p>

<p>A group of family and friends planting incense sticks before praying</p>

<p>View of the temple just after reaching the top of the stairs from below</p>

Just over the Togetsukyo Bridge (follow the road to the left after you cross it) in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto is Horin-ji Temple. I visited in early April, when the cherry blossoms were blooming and the weather was unpredictable. That day, the sky was dark in the morning with some rain, but it cleared up later. Horin-ji is a temple that 13-year olds and their families visit to receive blessings for "coming of age" (March 13 - May 13). Interestingly, there were sheep and cow statues here, something I had never seen before. The temple also has a beautiful large bell, and a pagoda.

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...