Joun-ji

Small temple tucked away in downtown Machida

Cathy Cawood Jan 21, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>The main hall looked beautiful in the winter sunshine</p>

<p>The main hall is decorated with a carved wooden phoenix</p>

<p>A carved shishi holding a peony stem in its mouth</p>

<p>A pair of sparrows under the eaves  </p>

<p>Close-up of the phoenix on the main hall</p>

<p>This beautifully ornate apex tile was standing in the garden - possibly from a previous incarnation of the main hall</p>

<p>New Year kagami-mochi beside the water sink</p>

<p>The temple stamp. Pilgrims collect these stamps in special books.</p>

<p>This motif was featured in several places around the temple including the wall and roof tiles.</p>

You could easily walk past the entrance to this attractive temple without even noticing - it seems to be just another alley off a busy shopping street in downtown Machida. However if you would like a quiet peaceful spot to take a rest, Joun-ji is waiting for you. The pretty main hall has my favorite carved shishi (a Japanese mythological creature with protective powers). He is holding a peony stem in his mouth. There is also a beautiful carved phoenix with wings outstretched, and four carved panels depicting birds and flowers. The garden is pleasant even in winter, and must be lovely in the other three seasons too.

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...