I found this temple accidentally on one of my cycling explorations of North-East Kyoto. I later read that this 9th century temple has lovely red maple leaves in autumn, but I visited in mid-summer when green was the predominant color. Thick moss carpeted the ground under the trees, and many stone lanterns stood beside the long driveway. The buildings were distinctive and quietly beautiful. The only other person there was a gardener, and the sense of hushed calm was unbroken.
- 1 min read
Sekisanzenin
Moss, lanterns and maple leaves

By Cathy Cawood
Community writer

Looking through the gate into late afternoon sunlight

Stone lanterns and paper lanterns

Mossy stone path bordered with gravel

The gardener's cart

Unusual gate like a string of prayer beads

Red lanterns contrast with green maple leaves

Sunlight filtered through bamboo illuminates a collection of small statues

Beautifully shaped roof

Statues and banners

Wooden doors beneath a row of red paper lanterns

Antique machinery... perhaps a pump?

Path along the side of the temple
Join the discussion
James Forest
10 years ago
Lovely
1 comment in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
KAMENOI HOTEL ASO PARK RESORT
Kumamoto - Sponsored -
2
Spring Destinations and Events in Niigata
Activities -
3
Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo’s New Executive Lounge and “The Pagoda in the Clouds”
Tokyo - Sponsored -
4
Time Traveling on the Hitachi-no-kuni Long Trail
Ibaraki - Sponsored -
5
Miyoko Schinner’s Vegan Japan Tour
Culture -
6
Japan Travel KK Achieves Travelife Partner Level
Planning -
7
A Guide to Tono City and Hanamaki City
Iwate - Sponsored -
8
5 Reasons to Visit Showa Kinen Park in Spring
Tokyo -
9
Discover Japan's Allure With a Tokyo Cruise
Article - Sponsored -
10
Japan's Best Hidden Travel Spots for 2025
Planning
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
March Grand Sumo Tournament (Osaka)
Osaka -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
6
Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival
Shizuoka -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
9
Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival
Tokyo -
10
AnimeJapan
Tokyo