Kyosho-ji on Takeda Michi

Wabi-sabi details at a small temple in Kofu

Cathy Cawood Oct 04, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>A water bowl with a piece of the rim broken off</p>

<p>The plaster has crumbled away revealing the construction method of the wall</p>

<p>Apex tiles often feature water motifs in the belief that this would help protect the building from fire</p>

<p>The sliding doors of the main hall are open</p>

<p>A covered walkway between buildings would be preferable to the rough paving stones when it rains</p>

<p>A pomegranate tree bears fruit in the temple courtyard</p>

<p>A gold screen standing just inside the temple reflects the light</p>

<p>Lichen grows on an old-looking plinth bearing a new-looking ball</p>

I stopped in at this small temple on my way to Takeda Shrine. It looked very old and a little run down, but wore the details of decay like crumbling plaster, a broken water bowl and uneven stepping stones with dignity and charm. I was glad that I spared a few minutes to enjoy the wabi-sabi feeling of Kyoshoji, before continuing along Inshie-no-michi.

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...