Every November I make it a point to visit Kofukuji Temple near Hashimoto Station in Sagamihara City, Japan. It’s beautiful in all seasons, but autumn is my favorite time to visit. Mornings are chilly and afternoons are comfortably warm. So I chose a nice warm afternoon last Monday and had the whole place to myself.
It’s so quiet and serene. It’s hard to believe I’m in Sagamihara City. Time seems to stop. I walk slowly around the grounds only to hear the rustling leaves in the breeze and the soothing sound of flowing water. The low afternoon sunlight cuts through the colorful trees. The maples in Japan are so tall and majestic. This is nature at it’s finest.
Sitting down by the pond is probably the best part for me. The koi are always welcoming. I wonder what they think. Do they know each other? How do they communicate? Have they been reincarnated? Do they remember me? It is hard to put into words how deeply relaxing this place is. Thirty minutes time quickly passes. A final stroll around the place, then back to Sagamihara City Station.
Always a “Next Time” in Japan
I don’t really want to leave. But I know I’ll be back. Having all these temples and shrines so close by makes it easy for a quick escape from the city and into solitude. Interestingly, one of my students at Smith’s School of English in Sagamihara, Mr. Hirose recently told me that there are over 200 shrines and temples scattered around Sagamihara City. That’s amazing. Japan is amazing.
Here is a short blog about the changing seasons in Japan; also contains a winter photograph of Kofukuji Temple. https://sse-franchise.com/changing-seasons-japan/
*Photos take with a simple digital camera.
Jim
Smith’s School of English, Sagamihara http://smithweb.co.jp/sagamihara/
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