A couple of minutes' walk apart just near Mishima-Hirokoji station, these two small temples are worth stopping off at if you're in that part of town. Renkei-ji has a tranquil carp pond in a pleasant garden with venerable statues and lanterns lurking among the greenery; Jorin-ji is more austere, with unusual demons looking down at you from under the eaves of the main hall, a long row of detailed individual statues, and little carved figures holding the sign in place under the roof of the gate.
Peter Sidell @peter.sidell
I came to Japan from Manchester, England in 2003, and have travelled a lot since then, around Japan and in Asia. When I'm not working, I write satire and perform stand-up comedy in and around Tokyo. Check YouTube for a taste.
