On the way to Hiyoshi Shrine

Stone walls, old bridges and dragonflies in Sakamoto

Cathy Cawood Aug 31, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>A red dragonfly on a spider lily bud</p>

<p>The streets are lined with stone walls</p>

<p>Red spider lilies grow from a stone wall  </p>

<p>There are many villas with beautiful gardens that once belonged to high class monks who retired from serving at Enrakuji built along the approach to Hiyoshi Taisha </p>

<p>Moss enhances the beauty of massive stone retaining walls</p>

<p>The Omiya River's floor has light colored sand  </p>

<p>One of three ancient stone bridges over the Omiya River  </p>

<p>Red and white aprons hang on the doors of this shrine, and brooms lean against the side... I wonder if it is a shrine to cleanliness?</p>

<p>Rough stone steps lead up the hillside  </p>

<p>Stone lanterns stand beside the steps</p>

<p>I love to photograph steps, but I hate climbing them!</p>

<p>These Ojizo statues have matching polka-dot cups</p>

Sakamoto is a temple town in Shiga Prefecture at the foot of Mount Hiei. It was home to the Ano Clan who were renowned for their skills in stone-masonry. Besides contributing to the building of castles and temples throughout Shiga and Kyoto, they also left their mark on Sakamoto, and wonderful mossy stone walls line the streets. These photos were taken near the Sakamoto Cable Car Station to Mount Hiei. Nearby Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine is supposed to be the best spot in Shiga Prefecture for viewing autumn colors, but I can't confirm that because I was there in summer.

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...