Jul 13, 2014 - 1 min read

Kozo-ji

Exceptional garden at an off-the-beaten-track temple

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

Path of stepping stones

A long pine lateral has been trained across the front of the temple. I was told this means "welcome."

Main hall of Koso-ji

The chain suspended above the water basin is an elegant traditional Japanese alternative to down-pipes for roof run-off

A coil of rope in a stone water basin

The well seems to be still in use

Stone lantern nestled in greenery

Path winding toward a gate

There is a water wheel on the edge of the pond garden

One of many cute statues

Rough stone lantern looking over the garden from a small hill

Sunlight filtered through the branches of a beautiful tree

This gate guardian is the first thing that caught my eye

The second gate guardian looked just as fierce as the first

Koso-ji's small but pretty gate

I love accidental discoveries, and I discovered Koso-ji while I was on a cycling excursion to another temple. At first I was greatly struck by the unusual guardian statues, but as soon as I passed through the gate, the enchantment of this pretty temple garden gripped me. Although it is not large it has been skillfully designed to include a number of different areas. Every time I turned a corner there was a new surprise. I especially enjoyed watching the small but deep koi pond, which bubbled with a strong underwater 'fountain'. Large koi swirled around the edges and made powerful dashes through the current.

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Cathy Cawood

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

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Cathy Cawood

Cathy Cawood Photographer 10 years ago

It wasn't marked as a temple on my map, Peter, and I only found it because I was biking past.

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Peter Sidell

Peter Sidell 10 years ago

So I checked on the map to see where it is, and was surprised to find it's quite near where I work! I should explore my own area more...

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Cathy Cawood

Cathy Cawood Photographer 10 years ago

It really is a lovely garden, James. I hope you get a chance to visit it.

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James Forest

James Forest 10 years ago

It looks so beautiful there!

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