Snow at Daigo Temple

World Heritage Site enhanced by winter weather

Cathy Cawood Feb 22, 2014 - 1 min read

Bentendo Hall stands on the edge of a large pond

High school student struggling through the snow on a bicycle

Side view of Kondo Hall through the trees

View of festival banners from the bell tower

The five-story pagoda was completed in the year 951

Banners for Godairiki-san, a temple event that takes place on February 23

The red bridge accessing Bentendo Hall contrasts with the snow

One of the statues at the foot of Daigo Mountain.

Ancient pines stand along the street in front of the temple

On Valentine's Day 2014, snow fell all over Japan. I took my camera to World Heritage Site Daigo Temple in Kyoto to capture the magical combination of ancient architecture and snow. Colorful banners for the upcoming Godairiki-san event lined the paths. The vermilion red of Bentendo Hall and the bridge over the pond made a startling contrast, and the wooden five story pagoda seemed insubstantial behind a veil of snowflakes.

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Find out more about Daigo-ji Temple.

Winter in Japan

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...