Apr 16, 2014 - 1 min read

Horin-ji Temple, Arashiyama, Kyoto

Coming of age, sakura, and spring

By Larry Knipfing

Community writer

Statue of a ram, looking towards the Horin-ji Temple pagoda

Kokuzo Bodhisattva greeting visitors to the temple

Gate of Horin-ji Temple

The pagoda during cherry blossom season

Looking down on Togetsukyo Bridge from the heights of the temple grounds

Statue of a cow at the temple

Kokuzo Bodhisattva

Reflection in a cistern that collects water from the roof of the temple building when it rains

A group of family and friends planting incense sticks before praying

Cherry blossom and lantern

View of the temple just after reaching the top of the stairs from below

The temple bell

Temple crest on the bell

Just over the Togetsukyo Bridge (follow the road to the left after you cross it) in the Arashiyama district of Kyoto is Horin-ji Temple. I visited in early April, when the cherry blossoms were blooming and the weather was unpredictable. That day, the sky was dark in the morning with some rain, but it cleared up later. Horin-ji is a temple that 13-year olds and their families visit to receive blessings for "coming of age" (March 13 - May 13). Interestingly, there were sheep and cow statues here, something I had never seen before. The temple also has a beautiful large bell, and a pagoda.

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Larry Knipfing

By Larry Knipfing

Community writer

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