Yamanashi

Kogakuji

Unusual covered bridge at a temple in Koshu

Cathy Cawood Aug 26, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>The pond featured an unusual covered wooden bridge</p>

<p>The path from the entrance had many tall straight trees on either side.</p>

<p>Two gates in the walls around one temple building</p>

<p>I liked the graceful lines of this two story temple building</p>

<p>A thickly covered pond lay near this building  </p>

<p>The temple garden felt very peaceful and calm</p>

<p>A statue of Buddha meditating in the garden</p>

<p>The bell tower was almost hidden from the approach by trees</p>

<p>The bell tower with two of the temple buildings in the background</p>

<p>The cherry trees either side of the path to this building must make a lovely scene in spring</p>

<p>A red and white bell rope hung from this sub-temple</p>

<p>I was struck by the beautiful pine trees growing here and at other temples in Koshu.</p>

I read that Enzan is sometimes called 'Kamakura in Koshu', because it has several important and beautiful temples. Kogakuji is one of these temples. It is one of the head temples for the Rinzai sect of Zen Buddhism, and has eight sub-temples within the precincts. The setting at the foot of a green mountain was particularly beautiful, and the pond with its unusual covered bridge was also lovely. I hope I can return here in spring or autumn... or maybe both!

After you visit Kogakuji I recommend you also see nearby Erinji and Hokoji.

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...