Kyoto

Jul 11, 2014 - 1 min read

Fresh Beauty at Chishaku-in Temple

Lots of surprises at a temple that feels new

By Larry Knipfing

Community writer

This is the first gate you see from the street, but it is closed. Beautiful!

This unique, modern torii confused me

But once I stepped into the garden, I knew I was in safe hands

I visited in early May, during the busy Golden Week season, but things were quiet here

There were a few other people here, but not many

Quiet and peaceful - a perfect place to refresh your spirits

A simple yet beautiful sand garden

The beautiful wooden corridors were spotless and shined with care and love

What a lovely temple

Walkway leading to the main temple building

Temple crest on a cistern

Looking out from the main temple building

Everything seems modern and new, yet not tacky at all

When I saw the torii gate at Chishaku-in Temple, I didn't have overly high expectations - it seemed too new, abstract and fanciful. Well, I was wrong, happily wrong. This is a beautiful temple with beautiful wood floors and walkways, beautiful wall paintings, and a beautiful tranquil garden. The whole place is vibrant and shines with life. It is clean and well-cared for, fresh and refreshing, a quiet place to sit and lift your spirits. It is not visited by as many tourists as some of the other temples with gardens, so for me it was a perfect getaway! I visited in early May, and loved it!

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Larry Knipfing

By Larry Knipfing

Community writer

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