Chion-ji

This is a little known temple except on the 15th of every month when there is a flea market on their grounds. People of all walks of life gather here to sell their goods - antiques, handicrafts, bakery goods etc - to the throng of people who are more than willing to part with their money. Though some of the things here are expensive (in my opinion), but if you have the time to look more closely, you can find good bargains.


The view from the gates

However, on most days, this temple is deserted as you can see in the picture (and this was during the height of the sakura season). Most people bypass it to go to the more famous Ginkakuji temple. It is their loss because on a sunny spring day, it is just damn beautiful and peaceful. The silence is a welcome relief from the scores of people that crowd the famous places.



A cliche shot but I had to take it. There were many sakura trees here on the grounds, though it is not apparent when you first see it from the gates (which is why most people skipped it I think). You have to walk into the grounds before you can see the trees. But the tall pine trees that line the walkway to the temple building is quite a sight.



So it was a sunny day and it was not that cold. We had a nice time walking around and enjoying the sun and the blossoms. Just relaxing before heading back to the lab. This place gives you the peace you would imagine having, sitting underneath a fully blossomed sakura tree. Bliss!



Another interesting thing I found is this pair of footprints, lined with pines and filled with water (I don't think it was intentionally filled with water because it was raining the past few days but I could be wrong). Looked very artistic.



So if you want to escape the crowd during the sakura season and just want to enjoy a spot of bliss, try this place for a change.