2015-04-26, Ryotanji, Sawayama & Nearby Temples & Shrines

So nice!  I was in short sleeves (and a jacket in the morning), the sun was shining, I had nowhere to be all day and I decided to go to a temple on the other side of the tracks and explore.  I didn't get lost (amazing!) and found a street full of temples/shrines and a mountain hiking course.

First came this shrine.

I love walking through multiple torii like this.  And look at the shadows!

A water spouting dragon.

Many believe that foxes are the messangers of the gods.

Next door to the shrine is Seiryo Temple.  Tourists are not allowed inside where the monks (women I think) live but they can walk around the grounds.  A monk saw me and came out to suggest I go up the mountain behind the temple where there is a cemetary and a view of the pond and rock garden below.  It was a nice walk, with lots of buzzing bees all over enjoying the flowers and sunshine.

You can't see it, but there is a Japanese maple tree growing out of this ? tree!

I found Ryotanji but there was a booth outside so I stopped there first.  The booth was actually for a mountain hiking path.  After talking to the volunteer I decided I'd go up (since it was a pretty simple path and I didn't think I'd get lost - I didn't).  On the advice of the volunteer I started with the hiking course but the first part was through the outside garden of Ryotanji.

Looks like adobe but they used old roof tiles and mud.

Not quite Snow White's seven dwarves...

Look at all those tubers (is that the right word?), no wonder bamboo spreads so quickly!

Views from the top (233 meters).

Lake Biwa

That's the FujiTec building - I don't know what they do but I've passed it on the train.

So green with the new leaves just opening!

Even though it wasn't a very high mountain I was definately huffing and puffing.  I was happy to see others doing the same as I passed them going down!

On the way down I went into the temple that had been my goal for the day, Ryotanji.

After going through the temple but before I left I sat on this veranda overlooking the rock garden.
Trying to ignore the nearby baseball fan's cheering and the trains across the street.  I focused
on all the birds twittering and enjoyed the solitude and scenery.

This is a giant daruama - it must be at least 8 - 10 feet tall.

Some smaller ones.  This temple is famous for a daruma festival. 

Giant tea ceremony utensils.

Samurai armor.

The study room with gardens on both sides.

After I left the temple I headed for Aeon Town.  I went to a couple of clothing stores and picked up a light sweater and a smaller belt.  Had a snack and then headed home.  Tired but happy.