Jun 9, 2014 - 1 min read

Johgi Nyorai Saihoji Temple

A place of timeless beauty in winter or early spring

By Radica Sooknarine

Community writer

The koi pond with a reflection of the pagoda

A view of the main gate as you enter and look back

The Amida Buddha Scroll is kept at the main temple (to the left). The Kannon statue for children is at the centre.

The wooden pagoda delicately touched with snow in winter

Peeking through some cherry blossoms in early spring to see the pagoda

The koi pond in spring. Every now and then they would jump out of the water.

In winter, there was a white blanket of snow. In spring, the snow has melted and the flowers are on the way. I was a couple weeks too early for the flowers.

To think that a few months ago, this was all covered in snow. Now, it is coming to life with leaves and flower buds slowly appearing. A few weeks from now, these trees will be covered with green leaves and flowers!

Some of the delicacies you'll see along the street as you near the temple

You MUST try the deep-fried tofu at Johgi. With some spices and soy sauce, it is quite a delight.

One of the fantastic things about Japan is that no matter whether you've been to a place before, you absolutely need to re-visit it at least once during each season. The change in season brings with it a fresh new perspective and many different ways of seeing any one location.

I first visited the Jyogi Nyorai Temple during winter when the trees were bare and the ground covered with a white blanket of snow. It left an indelible impression in my mind and I decided to return at the onset of spring. The snow was gone, and the trees and flowers were slowly coming to life.

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By Radica Sooknarine

Community writer

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Veronika Tomanova 9 years ago

Awesome garden!

Radica Sooknarine Photographer 9 years ago

It's a lovely experience walking through the grounds near the pagoda.

Iain Stanley 9 years ago

I wonder if you can see the beautiful reds and oranges during the fall season. It's something I look forward to every year, regardless of the place and if I've been there before

Radica Sooknarine Photographer 9 years ago

Oh definitely! I should update this with my autumn photos. It's a wonderful site for koyo.

Mandy Bartok 10 years ago

The pagoda is beautiful in any season, but I especially liked the snow picture. (Maybe that's just because we see snow so rarely down here in Kyushu!)

Radica Sooknarine Photographer 9 years ago

This is one of my favourite places in Tohoku. The journey to get there is a joy in itself. You're right though, whichever season, the beauty is there. It's just accented a tad differently.

Justin Velgus 10 years ago

I completely agree! The changing seasons create a whole new feeling and the environment. I see winter and feel a sense of quiet serenity, then the life of spring brings a sense of cheerfulness. Great job, Radica! Can't wait to see more pics and read more of your articles!

7 comments in total

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1 Joge Aza Okura Aobaku Sendai Miyagi 989-3213 (Directions)

Veronika Tomanova 9 years ago

Awesome garden!

Radica Sooknarine Photographer 9 years ago

It's a lovely experience walking through the grounds near the pagoda.

Iain Stanley 9 years ago

I wonder if you can see the beautiful reds and oranges during the fall season. It's something I look forward to every year, regardless of the place and if I've been there before

Radica Sooknarine Photographer 9 years ago

Oh definitely! I should update this with my autumn photos. It's a wonderful site for koyo.

Mandy Bartok 10 years ago

The pagoda is beautiful in any season, but I especially liked the snow picture. (Maybe that's just because we see snow so rarely down here in Kyushu!)

Radica Sooknarine Photographer 9 years ago

This is one of my favourite places in Tohoku. The journey to get there is a joy in itself. You're right though, whichever season, the beauty is there. It's just accented a tad differently.