Sanzen-en

A caterpillar,
this deep in fall–
still not a butterfly
–Bashō

Sanzen-en is located in the rural village of Ohara.

The path leading to the temple and gardens is along a stream and rice fields and farmhouses.

Within the walled grounds of the temple, sits the Hondo, built by priest Eshin and called Ojo-gokuraku-in or “temple of rebirth in paradise.” 

Moss covers most of the ground surface. There are many maples and also a grove of cryptomerias.

Sanzen-in is celebrated for its calm beauty and fall color, so it is strongly recommended that you arrive early when there are fewer people.