Japan - Kyoto - Rokkaku-do Temple
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Rokkaku-dō, a small, but important Buddhist temple in Kyoto's old town area. The historic hexagonal Buddhist temple is considered the birthplace of the art of ikebana flower arranging.
Formally named Shiunzanshoho-ji, the temple is better known by its more common name, Rokkaku-do (The Hexagonal Temple). It was named thus because the main hall is built in the 6-sided hogyo-zukuri style. Rokkaku-do temple was founded by Prince Shotoku. The hexagonal stone lying in front of the main hall is known as the Navel Stone. It has long been said to mark the center point of Kyoto. The hall, north of the temple, is called Ikenobo. Renowned as the birthplace of Ikebana (flower arrangement), Ikebono has produced many skilled artists in flower arrangement since the Muromachi period (1333 - 1568).
The temple's willow tree is said to have a mystical power of match-making. Those who are waiting for happy encounters buy fortune-telling slips at the store in the temple, and if the telling is good, they tie two branches of the tree with the slip.
Little shrine surrounded by residential buildings at the Buddhist Rokkaku-dō Temple in Kyoto, Japan
Three Wise Monks at Rokkaku-dō Kyoto
See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil - three little Buddha statues at a fountain of the Rokkaku-dō Temple in Kyoto, Japan
The chōzuya or temizuya, the ritual clensing place at the Buddhist Rokkaku-dō temple features a dragon water spo
A little jizo statue tucked away behind fortune-telling paper slips at the Shiunzanshoho-ji Temple, better known as the Rokkaku-do Temple in Kyoto, Japan
Statue at the Buddhist Rokkaku-dō Temple in Kyoto, Japan
Rokkaku-dō Temple, Kyoto, Japan
Group of small Jizo statues around a fountain at the Rokkaku-dō temple in Kyoto, Japan
The chōzuya or temizuya, the ritual clensing place at the Buddhist Rokkaku-dō temple features a dragon water spout.