Yamanashi

Rainy day at Erinji in Koshu

Discover the beauty of Shingen Takeda's family temple

Cathy Cawood Aug 20, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>The English message made me feel included and welcomed!</p>

<p>Stone lanterns and a beautifully twisted pine stand before Erinji's gate</p>

<p>The pond is the heart of a garden originally designed by Muso Soseki (but probably extensively remodeled over the years)</p>

<p>A stone bridge crosses a small stream</p>

<p>The gate viewed from within the grounds  </p>

<p>The few visitors were all carrying umbrellas</p>

<p>Trees are spaced all through the grounds creating many beautiful views</p>

<p>Besides cedars and fabulous pine trees, there were many cherry trees in the grounds</p>

<p>This gate frames a view of an inner courtyard</p>

<p>A fox statue seems to be  waiting for someone or something</p>

<p>A massive kawara tile such as would crown a temple gable stands on display</p>

I visited Erinji on a cloudy day in August. The buses were infrequent, so I hired a bicycle from the History Park opposite Enzan station, and cycled off along Shingen Michi to find the 700-year-old temple that was once attended by the Takeda clan of Yamanashi. Rain started to fall as I arrived, and I wandered with my umbrella through the almost deserted garden. The temple buildings include an impressive main hall and a graceful pagoda. Even though Erinji is so beautiful and historically significant, it receives few visitors, so you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Shingen Michi has several other attractions including Kogakuji and Hokoji, and a History Walk with many lovely old rural buildings.

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...