Autumn at Goryo Shrine in Kyoto

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!