Mar 12, 2013 - 1 min read

Yugyoji Temple, Fujisawa

A wealth of statuary in a tranquil setting

By Peter Sidell

Community writer

Lots of little statues attending around a larger one.

An angry-looking bird runs a beady eye over visitors

The lantern and pagoda in the garden by the main hall

On a still day the reflection is strikingly clear

An arriving pilgrim

Next to the main hall

Cats and dogs, keeping a cautious distance from each other

Lions in the eaves

A welcome from a dragon

A small hall near the main gate

The main gate and approach

Babies trying to climb up

This chap hides behind a small building at the rear of the temple

Near the main hall

About ten or fifteen minutes' walk north of Fujisawa station there's a cluster of neighborhood temples and shrines, of which Yugyoji is the largest and most interesting. As you explore the grounds you'll find a diverse range of statues, including one of the Kannon standing near an elegant pagoda, both reflected in a calm pond. There's plenty of enjoyment in the details - the cat and dog statues by the main hall are checking each other out warily, while on the other side some statue babies are reaching up to their mother.

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Peter Sidell

By Peter Sidell

Community writer

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Elena Lisina

Elena Lisina 5 years ago

I like old shrines with wooden carvings!

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Larry Knipfing

Larry Knipfing 11 years ago

Fujisawa is located fairly near both Kamakura and Enoshima. Worth a visit!

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