Kyoto

Strolling around Seiryuchi Pond

Leaves carpet the ground around a mirror-like pond

Takako Sakamoto Dec 03, 2014 - 2 min read

<p>Autumn leaves reflected on the water surface of Seiryuchi Pond</p>

<p>Fallen leaves spreading like a carpet under the trees of 'Garden of Jyu-gyu (which means ten oxen)'</p>

<p>Since this temple is shadowed by the hills of eastern Kyoto, it takes more time for sunshine to reach this garden</p>

<p>Garden of Jyu-gyu (ten oxen) viewed through Okyo's Bamboo Grove</p>

<p>At the center of the Garden of Jyu-gyu, there were fewer fallen leaves on the ground than on other places in the garden</p>

<p>Maple leaves hanging over Seiryuchi Pond as though they were living creatures attacking the pond!</p>

<p>Impressive velvety texture of green moss on the ground</p>

<p>Gorgeous maple leaves looking as though they are red filters. The outside veranda of Hojo building can be seen at the far end.</p>

<p>Mixture of yellow and orange leaves creating various intermediate shades of color</p>

Notice

Autumn Foliage viewing at Enkoji from 15 November until 10 December 2020 requires a <a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdO61713rIpA95Ho5BYTsHDfegpg2EVduSWLRdPfs4oyOs_iA/viewform">reservation</a>.

Latest on Enkoji

This is the last story about the 'Autumn Leaves at Dawn: Special Viewing' at Enkoji Temple in Rakuhoku area of Kyoto, where I visited on November 22, 2014.

Although this temple's most popular attraction is the wonderful autumn view from veranda of the Hojo building, I also enjoyed exploring the garden. You can't walk on the moss of course, but there is a pathway through the garden.

Start your exploration from the western side of the Garden of Jyu-gyu (which means ten oxen) and on the south side, you'll find tranquil Seiryuchi Pond, reportedly the oldest pond in Rakuhoku area.

If you are lucky and there's no wind, you can see beautiful reflections on the pond. The breathtaking symmetrical beauty of real and reflected leaves mesmerized me!

Enkoji: The Splendid Garden of Rakuhoku, Kyoto 1. A Painting of Autumn Leaves 2. Soothing Scenery of Enkoji 3. Strolling Around Seiryuchi Pond

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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...