<p>The koi pond with a reflection of the pagoda</p>

The koi pond with a reflection of the pagoda (Photo: Radica Sooknarine)

Johgi Nyorai Saihoji Temple

A place of timeless beauty in winter or early spring

Radica Sooknarine Jun 09, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>The koi pond with a reflection of the pagoda</p>

<p>A view of the main gate as you enter and look back</p>

<p>The Amida Buddha Scroll is kept at the main temple (to the left). The Kannon statue for children is at the centre.</p>

<p>The wooden pagoda delicately touched with snow in winter</p>

<p>Peeking through some cherry blossoms in early spring to see the pagoda</p>

<p>The koi pond in spring. Every now and then they would jump out of the water.</p>

<p>In winter, there was a white blanket of snow. In spring, the snow has melted and the flowers are on the way. I was a couple weeks too early for the flowers.</p>

<p>A view of the pagoda from the koi pond</p>

<p>To think that a few months ago, this was all covered in snow. Now, it is coming to life with leaves and flower buds slowly appearing. A few weeks from now, these trees will be covered with green leaves and flowers!  </p>

<p>Some of the delicacies you'll see along the street as you near the temple</p>

<p>You MUST try the deep-fried tofu at Johgi. With some spices and soy sauce, it is quite a delight.</p>

One of the fantastic things about Japan is that no matter whether you've been to a place before, you absolutely need to re-visit it at least once during each season. The change in season brings with it a fresh new perspective and many different ways of seeing any one location.

I first visited the Jyogi Nyorai Temple during winter when the trees were bare and the ground covered with a white blanket of snow. It left an indelible impression in my mind and I decided to return at the onset of spring. The snow was gone, and the trees and flowers were slowly coming to life.

Radica Sooknarine

Radica Sooknarine @radica.sooknarine

I currently teach English in Sendai City. Whenever possible, I seek out adventures in this enchanting country.