Shiga
Otsu

Aug 31, 2014 - 1 min read

On the way to Hiyoshi Shrine

Stone walls, old bridges and dragonflies in Sakamoto

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

A red dragonfly on a spider lily bud

The streets are lined with stone walls

Red spider lilies grow from a stone wall

There are many villas with beautiful gardens that once belonged to high class monks who retired from serving at Enrakuji built along the approach to Hiyoshi Taisha

Moss enhances the beauty of massive stone retaining walls

The Omiya River's floor has light colored sand

One of three ancient stone bridges over the Omiya River

Small waterfall near the bridge

Red and white aprons hang on the doors of this shrine, and brooms lean against the side... I wonder if it is a shrine to cleanliness?

Brush brooms with bamboo handles

Rough stone steps lead up the hillside

Stone lanterns stand beside the steps

I love to photograph steps, but I hate climbing them!

These Ojizo statues have matching polka-dot cups

Sakamoto is a temple town in Shiga Prefecture at the foot of Mount Hiei. It was home to the Ano Clan who were renowned for their skills in stone-masonry. Besides contributing to the building of castles and temples throughout Shiga and Kyoto, they also left their mark on Sakamoto, and wonderful mossy stone walls line the streets. These photos were taken near the Sakamoto Cable Car Station to Mount Hiei. Nearby Hiyoshi Taisha Shrine is supposed to be the best spot in Shiga Prefecture for viewing autumn colors, but I can't confirm that because I was there in summer.

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Cathy Cawood

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

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Radica Sooknarine

Radica Sooknarine 10 years ago

It's so beautiful and serene. It's like a step back in time.

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