Kozo-ji

Exceptional garden at an off-the-beaten-track temple

Cathy Cawood Jul 13, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>A long pine lateral has been trained across the front of the temple. I was told this means "welcome."</p>

<p>The chain suspended above the water basin is an elegant traditional Japanese alternative to down-pipes for roof run-off</p>

<p>A coil of rope in a stone water basin</p>

<p>The well seems to be still in use  </p>

<p>Stone lantern nestled in greenery</p>

<p>There is a water wheel on the edge of the pond garden</p>

<p>Rough stone lantern looking over the garden from a small hill</p>

<p>Sunlight filtered through the branches of a beautiful tree</p>

<p>This gate guardian is the first thing that caught my eye</p>

<p>The second gate guardian looked just as fierce as the first</p>

I love accidental discoveries, and I discovered Koso-ji while I was on a cycling excursion to another temple. At first I was greatly struck by the unusual guardian statues, but as soon as I passed through the gate, the enchantment of this pretty temple garden gripped me. Although it is not large it has been skillfully designed to include a number of different areas. Every time I turned a corner there was a new surprise. I especially enjoyed watching the small but deep koi pond, which bubbled with a strong underwater 'fountain'. Large koi swirled around the edges and made powerful dashes through the current.

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...