Koshoji Temple features some of the most spectacular Japanese gardens and architecture in Kyoto’s matcha green tea town of Uji.
In the matcha green tea capital of Japan is the serene Zen Buddhist site known as Koshoji Temple. A hidden gem in Kyoto’s scenic town of Uji, only those who have made the journey on foot to the top of the hill understand the treasure this discovery offers.
Nestled in Uji’s Thick Trees
Nestled in the thick green forests of Uji’s mountains, Koshoji Temple is one of the most picturesque cultural heritage sites I’ve seen, not just in Kyoto, but in all of Japan. There is a blissful atmosphere that ensues when at a higher altitude in a spiritual place of worship, especially when decorated by Mother Nature.
Beautiful Bonsai
There’s nothing like a garden of bonsai trees to really make a place look beautiful and well-kept. Koshoji Temple features a plethora of bonsai of many shapes and sizes, as well as visually aesthetic monuments such as Buddha statues, stone lampposts, and small fountains.
Gorgeous Architecture
The main temple building stands at the end of the temple grounds and features a wooden material for the pillars, doors, and floors, and a traditional bamboo roof typical of ancient Japanese architecture. There’s also a lovely 5-story stone pagoda statue that resembles the iconic Yasaka Pagoda in Kyoto’s Kiyomizu area.
Big Buddhist Bell
It’s not a complete Zen Buddhist temple without a big bell for the monks to ring on occasion. I quite like this particular bell for the way it’s framed by wooden pillars and sheltered by a magnificent Japanese-style bamboo roofing structure.
Refreshing Water
Fresh waters sourced from Uji’s rivers are delivered to Koshoji Temple and run through these traditional wooden and bamboo pipes.
Visitors can cleanse themselves using the provided wooden spoon, ensuring you don’t make direct contact with the water in the basin with your bare hand.
Drinking the water is not advised, as it has not been filtered or purified for consumption and is made for ritualistic cleansing.
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