I can appreciate temples with manicured gardens where every fallen leaf is quickly swept away, but in my heart I like half wild gardens best. When I went to see hydrangeas blooming at Iwa Temple on the edge of Yamashina in Kyoto, I was delighted by the lush green growth of trees, grass and wildflowers. Green moss spread under the trees, and hydrangeas splashed the peaceful scene with shades of blue.
- 1 min read
Blue Hydrangeas at Iwadera
Peaceful temple on the green edge of Yamashina in Kyoto

By Cathy Cawood
Community writer

Kanon statue viewed from behind

This torii marks the entrance to a nearby shrine

Kanon watching over the hydrangeas

Iwadera under the trees

Blue hydrangeas at the base of a stone marker

Hydrangeas bloom in a half wild setting

A simple bamboo rail fence separates the garden from the road

Pale blue perfection

A Kanon statue stands at the edge of the garden

The moss is thick under the trees

Small table and chairs made of pottery

You can rest on this bench in a corner of the garden

The garden has a number of large rocks scattered around

A small Inari shrine
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Information
96 Nishinoyama Sakuranobabacho Yamashina Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto Prefecture 607-8308 (Directions)
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Kim Bergström
3 years ago
You're a great photographer!
Thank you Kim!
2 comments in total
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