Sekisanzenin

Moss, lanterns and maple leaves

Cathy Cawood Mar 03, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Looking through the gate into late afternoon sunlight</p>

<p>Stone lanterns and paper lanterns</p>

<p>Mossy stone path bordered with gravel</p>

<p>Unusual gate like a string of prayer beads</p>

<p>Red lanterns contrast with green maple leaves</p>

<p>Sunlight filtered through bamboo illuminates a collection of small statues</p>

<p>Wooden doors beneath a row of red paper lanterns</p>

<p>Antique machinery... perhaps a pump?</p>

<p>Path along the side of the temple<br />
 </p>

I found this temple accidentally on one of my cycling explorations of North-East Kyoto. I later read that this 9th century temple has lovely red maple leaves in autumn, but I visited in mid-summer when green was the predominant color. Thick moss carpeted the ground under the trees, and many stone lanterns stood beside the long driveway. The buildings were distinctive and quietly beautiful. The only other person there was a gardener, and the sense of hushed calm was unbroken.

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...