The Hills of Kurodani Temple, Kyoto

A temple to explore and enjoy, any season of the year

Larry Knipfing May 02, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Entrance to Kurodani Temple, Kyoto</p>

<p>Temple sign, high above the main gate</p>

<p>There weren't many people there - mainly locals</p>

<p>There is a large beautiful cemetery</p>

<p>The cherry blossoms in this cemetery were very beautiful</p>

<p>It would be a great place for a picnic...if you could find a spot to sit down!</p>

<p>Lotus pots under stone bridge - this must be beautiful in late July and early August when they are in full bloom</p>

<p>Unique statue in the cemetery that climbs the hill</p>

<p>I was told by a local (who also happened to be a foreigner) that the hair on this statue is unique in Kyoto</p>

A friend of mine says that Kurodani Temple is his favorite in all of Kyoto. I can see why. There is nothing spectacular about it, unless of course you like hills and cemeteries (I do!) There is a cemetery here that runs up the side of a hill overlooking the temple grounds and keeps going and going and going. This is a beautiful place to come for a walk and to explore. It is not over-produced like many temples in Kyoto are, and it's not crowded. I visited in the middle of the cherry blossom season, when the sakura was in full bloom, and there was hardly anyone here - mainly locals. And if you come in the early morning, you might be lucky enough to hear the monks chanting.

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...