Kyoto

Oct 2, 2014 - 1 min read

Summer at Honen-in

One of my favourite temples in Kyoto

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

Tall trees shade the approach to the gate

Looking up at Honen-in's Gate

The paths that lead you through the garden are very beautiful

Sand sculptures just inside the gate

The sand sculptures have different designs every time I visit

A small pond reflects the trees

The temple has a chalice-shaped fountain

Path through thick moss

A camellia blossom balanced on the lip of the fountain

An elderly gentleman listens to the singing frogs - perhaps he is composing a haiku about them

A small bookshelf on the balcony with Buddhist literature

Stepping stones lead to a small gate

I love this temple! I have loved it from the very first time I went there on a showery day in May, and heard singing frogs. I love to walk up the hill through bamboo and tall trees and be welcomed by the thatched gate. The garden enchants me every time with the wonderful texture of its paths, and the lush green moss under the trees, and with the special little touches like flowers in the fountain, and always-new sand sculptures. The simple wooden main hall always issues me a silent, irresistible invitation to sit on the verandah, and breath deeply, and just be.

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Cathy Cawood

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

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