Kyoto

Dec 11, 2014 - 1 min read

Autumn at Goryo Shrine in Kyoto

Sunlight makes leaves glow above an intriguing statue

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

I don't know the story behind this statue, but I want to!

There is an intriguing statue with five small children and a large urn

The beautiful main hall of the shrine

Gingko, maple and cherry glow brightly in the sunshine

Fallen leaves along the side of the main hall

Stone torii under tall maple trees

A row of stone lanterns

Leaves scattered on the path under a small tunnel or red torii

Orange maple leaves against the dark wood of the eaves

A branch of red leaves hangs over a small shrine building

A tall yellow gingko tree catches the light

There are seats underneath this building raised on stilts

One of the gate guardians

The gate of the shrine

I passed the gate of this very pretty shrine in Northern Kyoto several times, but I never entered it until recently, drawn in by the splendid autumn colors I could see behind the walls. Goryo Shrine dates from the Heian Era, and is believed to be the place at which the Onin War began. These days it hosts an annual festival complete with period costumes and horses, a small monthly flea market. I was fascinated by the unusual statue featuring five small children and a huge urn - I know there must be an interesting story behind it!

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Cathy Cawood

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

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Olga

Olga 10 years ago

The children are really adorable!

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