Kyoto

Blue Hydrangeas at Iwadera

Peaceful temple on the green edge of Yamashina in Kyoto

Cathy Cawood Jul 23, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>This torii marks the entrance to a nearby shrine</p>

<p>Kanon watching over the hydrangeas</p>

<p>Blue hydrangeas at the base of a stone marker</p>

<p>Hydrangeas bloom in a half wild setting</p>

<p>A simple bamboo rail fence separates the garden from the road</p>

<p>A Kanon statue stands at the edge of the garden</p>

<p>The moss is thick under the trees</p>

<p>Small table and chairs made of pottery</p>

<p>You can rest on this bench in a corner of the garden</p>

<p>The garden has a number of large rocks scattered around</p>

I can appreciate temples with manicured gardens where every fallen leaf is quickly swept away, but in my heart I like half wild gardens best. When I went to see hydrangeas blooming at Iwa Temple on the edge of Yamashina in Kyoto, I was delighted by the lush green growth of trees, grass and wildflowers. Green moss spread under the trees, and hydrangeas splashed the peaceful scene with shades of blue.

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...