Bishamonten Myohoji Temple, Fuji

A Chinese-style temple in Fuji City (not Mount Fuji)

Peter Sidell May 29, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>The cute bear called Rilakkuma features on a lot of the plates</p>

<p>Carvings of the twelve zodiac animals around the base of a statue</p>

<p>One of the paintings inside the pavilion</p>

<p>Another exquisitely detailed painting in the pavilion</p>

<p>The small but vibrantly colorful pavilion is home to eight dragons</p>

<p>This chap lives under the eaves of the main hall</p>

<p>More finely-detailed carvings above the steps leading up to the main building</p>

<p>One of the dragons about to take off from the pavilion roof</p>

About fifteen minutes' walk from Yoshiwara station (one stop from Fuji City), Bishamonten Myohoji is a temple whose interest lies in the details. The colorful Chinese pavilion is home to energetic dragons, coiling around the pillars and roaring from the roof, and beautiful landscapes and nature scenes painted on its tiles; while under the eaves of the main hall's roof, you'll find painstakingly detailed carvings of more dragons, landscapes and dioramas.

Peter Sidell @peter.sidell

I came to Japan from Manchester, England in 2003, and have travelled a lot since then, around Japan and in Asia. When I'm not working, I write satire and perform stand-up comedy in and around Tokyo. Check YouTube for a taste.