Ishikawa

Sep 20, 2014 - 1 min read

Natadera in Ishikawa

Follow Matsuo Basho to the sacred caves of Natadera

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

Magnificent rock formations

Statues with red aprons in the entrance to one of the caves

Black and white curtains on the gate

Little sweeper statue

Sunlight filters through the trees to illuminate this pond and bridge

Green leaves envelop the three tier pagoda

Graceful three tier pagoda

Incense sticks stand in a cauldron full of sand

Daihi-Kaku rests on stilts with its back to the mountain

Beautiful and intricate wooden carvings under the eaves

Stone garden tower and orange maple leaves

Matsuo Basho's haiku engraved in stone

Beautifully painted guardian protected under glass

This is one of the loveliest temples I have ever visited! I suppose it helps that I went there on a sunny autumn day when the light filtered through the tall cedars to ignite the maple leaves. The temple complex is large, with seven different buildings and gardens that are designated National Treasures. Matsuo Basho visited here in his travels, and left a haiku behind. Possibly the most famous feature, however, is the mountain of rock with several caves that have been turned into shrines.

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Cathy Cawood

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

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