Shiga

Autumn Color at Kongorinji

Moss and maple leaves welcome you to a Shiga temple

Cathy Cawood Oct 20, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>A serene statue prays near the gate</p>

<p>A heavy crop of moss grows in a stone lantern near the gate</p>

<p>Moss, stones and fallen maple leaves</p>

<p>This stone wall must be more than fifty percent covered by moss</p>

<p>A border of red maple leaves runs along the foot of the wall</p>

<p>A small shrine stands among the colorful maple trees</p>

<p>Water runs in a small channel beside the path, making a pleasant sound</p>

<p>Beautiful roof gables were all I could see of these buildings behind the wall</p>

<p>The breeze was plucking leaves from the trees and dropping them on the path</p>

<p>A stone monument under the maples</p>

A praying statue stands at the gate of Kongorinji against glowing yellow maple leaves. The stretch of path that takes you from the gate facing the road to the pond garden is a lovely thing in autumn. The path runs between rough stone walls that are heavily coated with dark green moss. Red and yellow maple trees behind the stone wall look so beautiful it will take your breath away. But all this beauty is just the beginning! There is still the pond garden, the windmill ojizos, and the main hall and pagoda to come.

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Find out more about Kongorin-ji Temple.

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...