Oyama Dera Temple's Unique Statues

There are beautiful statues everywhere on this mountain

Larry Knipfing Mar 04, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>Looking up at Oyama Temple on a beautiful autumn day</p>

<p>Both side of the stairs leading up to the temple are lined with dozens of beautiful statues</p>

<p>I love the white birch in the background</p>

<p>This one is really unique, and seems to be carrying a sword</p>

<p>Getting ready to go into the temple</p>

<p>Under the eave of the temple roof, a dragon (of sorts) lurks...</p>

<p>The stairs to the temple building</p>

<p>A small alter I found after leaving the temple</p>

<p>This mountain area is gorgeous in autumn</p>

Mt. Oyama is a very religious mountain. During the Edo period it was a famous pilgrimage spot for people in Kanagawa and Tokyo. The inns here all have their own shrines, and the mountain itself has two large shrines (one at the very top) and a large temple. Everywhere you go you can find Buddhist and Shinto statues, some quite old and some quite beautiful. Climb the stairs leading up to the main temple, and you will see that it is lined on both sides with fascinating statuary. Come in the fall season and enjoy the bonus of the area's blazing autumn foliage.

Larry Knipfing @larry.knipfing

Born on Long Island, New York in 1958, I have spent the last 30 years of my life living in Japan, and enjoying every minute of it! I especially love photography, and Japan is definitely one of the most beautiful places in the world to photograph! My other love is fiction writing and I have pub...