Yamanashi

Aug 20, 2014 - 1 min read

Rainy day at Erinji in Koshu

Discover the beauty of Shingen Takeda's family temple

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

The English message made me feel included and welcomed!

Stone lanterns and a beautifully twisted pine stand before Erinji's gate

The pond is the heart of a garden originally designed by Muso Soseki (but probably extensively remodeled over the years)

A stone bridge crosses a small stream

The gate viewed from within the grounds

The few visitors were all carrying umbrellas

The pagoda has three tiers

There is a small bell tower

Trees are spaced all through the grounds creating many beautiful views

A grinning demon over the door

Besides cedars and fabulous pine trees, there were many cherry trees in the grounds

Rain made the roof glisten

This gate frames a view of an inner courtyard

A fox statue seems to be  waiting for someone or something

A massive kawara tile such as would crown a temple gable stands on display

I visited Erinji on a cloudy day in August. The buses were infrequent, so I hired a bicycle from the History Park opposite Enzan station, and cycled off along Shingen Michi to find the 700-year-old temple that was once attended by the Takeda clan of Yamanashi. Rain started to fall as I arrived, and I wandered with my umbrella through the almost deserted garden. The temple buildings include an impressive main hall and a graceful pagoda. Even though Erinji is so beautiful and historically significant, it receives few visitors, so you can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Shingen Michi has several other attractions including Kogakuji and Hokoji, and a History Walk with many lovely old rural buildings.

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Cathy Cawood

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

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