ENKOUJI TEMPLE (Buddhist Temple - Kyoto, Japan)
Discovering this delightful temple on a meander through the hillside streets of Kyoto, the verdant and calming oasis of the moss garden is a highlight. The contemporary interpretation of a gravel garden is striking, with autumnal colour just beginning when I visited in October 2024. Sculptural trees, integrated garden features of stone and water, as well as the minimal buildings that provide a frame for viewing various garden scenes make this worth a repeat visit.
Water is a consistent, calming feature in Japanese gardens.
The beginnings of autumnal colour in the gravel garden.
Views and formal thresholds into new 'rooms' create a sense of curiosity and fascination as one moves through the various spaces.
Beautiful bark colour and texture contrasts with the greens of the moss garden.
Dappled light through the tree canopy (komorebi in Japanese - literally 'sunlight leaking through trees') in the moss garden.
Lantern decorations (amongst others) feature throughout the temple complex.
The entrance path to the temple - leading up towards the gardens.
The Zen or dry Garden ("karesansui") at Enkouji Temple.
A little figure apparently having a snooze with some mice nearby - interesting use of vertically placed tiles as edging too.
Steps up to the cemetery area of the temple complex, a more forested space.