Seisui Temple in Machida

Extravagant wood carvings decorate a small temple

Cathy Cawood Jun 28, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>The doors are decorated with carvings of people</p>

<p>Small water basin that looks like a coiled dragon</p>

<p>Red banners on either side of the path</p>

<p>The building with the wood carving is at the top of many steps</p>

<p>A fantastical dragon broods under the eaves</p>

<p>Even the wooden verandah posts feature carved motifs</p>

<p>A carving of a crane flying over pine branches</p>

<p>A carved crow perches in the corner</p>

<p>Grapefruit trees stand near the bell tower</p>

<p>Simple and graceful temple building near the entrance</p>

The first thing I learned about this temple in Aihara, Machida is that the name has exactly the same kanji as Kiyomizudera in Kyoto (清水寺) however it is pronounced differently. That made me want to investigate, and I'm glad I did. Apart from the quiet peaceful atmosphere, which is nothing unusual for temples, the striking thing about Seisui-ji was the fabulous wooden carvings that decorated the eaves. There was also an unusual and artistic dragon water basin. If you find yourself in the neighborhood, pay this temple a visit!

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...