May 2, 2014 - 1 min read

The Hills of Kurodani Temple, Kyoto

A temple to explore and enjoy, any season of the year

By Larry Knipfing

Community writer

Entrance to Kurodani Temple, Kyoto

Temple sign, high above the main gate

There weren't many people there - mainly locals

There is a large beautiful cemetery

The cherry blossoms in this cemetery were very beautiful

It would be a great place for a picnic...if you could find a spot to sit down!

Prayer boards and sakura

A shady corner of the cemetery

Lotus pots under stone bridge - this must be beautiful in late July and early August when they are in full bloom

Unique statue in the cemetery that climbs the hill

Another unique statue

I was told by a local (who also happened to be a foreigner) that the hair on this statue is unique in Kyoto

A friend of mine says that Kurodani Temple is his favorite in all of Kyoto. I can see why. There is nothing spectacular about it, unless of course you like hills and cemeteries (I do!) There is a cemetery here that runs up the side of a hill overlooking the temple grounds and keeps going and going and going. This is a beautiful place to come for a walk and to explore. It is not over-produced like many temples in Kyoto are, and it's not crowded. I visited in the middle of the cherry blossom season, when the sakura was in full bloom, and there was hardly anyone here - mainly locals. And if you come in the early morning, you might be lucky enough to hear the monks chanting.

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Larry Knipfing

By Larry Knipfing

Community writer

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Larry Knipfing

Larry Knipfing Photographer 10 years ago

Beautiful Sakura in spring in Kyoto.

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