Kyoto

Summer at Honen-in

One of my favourite temples in Kyoto

Cathy Cawood Oct 02, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Tall trees shade the approach to the gate</p>

<p>The paths that lead you through the garden are very beautiful</p>

<p>Sand sculptures just inside the gate</p>

<p>The sand sculptures have different designs every time I visit</p>

<p>A small pond reflects the trees  </p>

<p>The temple has a chalice-shaped fountain</p>

<p>A camellia blossom balanced on the lip of the fountain  </p>

<p>An elderly gentleman listens to the singing frogs - perhaps he is composing a haiku about them</p>

<p>A small bookshelf on the balcony with Buddhist literature</p>

<p>Stepping stones lead to a small gate</p>

I love this temple! I have loved it from the very first time I went there on a showery day in May, and heard singing frogs. I love to walk up the hill through bamboo and tall trees and be welcomed by the thatched gate. The garden enchants me every time with the wonderful texture of its paths, and the lush green moss under the trees, and with the special little touches like flowers in the fountain, and always-new sand sculptures. The simple wooden main hall always issues me a silent, irresistible invitation to sit on the verandah, and breath deeply, and just be.

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...