🗺️ Qinglong Mountain, Kichijōji青龍山 吉祥寺

Seiryu Mountain Kichijoji is located in Kawaba Village, Gunma Prefecture. It is a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect and is well-known locally as the "Flower Temple." After passing through the mountain gate with its heavy eaves and hip roof, one can see the majestic main hall. Surrounding the main hall is a beautiful garden, with a dry landscape garden called "Baryu-tei" in front. The waterfall to the north is clear and elegant, resembling a青龍 (Qinglong, "Azure Dragon") lying across the mountains. A gentle stream flows around the main hall, offering different scenic views from the three sides of the porch. Inside the main hall, there is a "matcha corner" where visitors can enjoy matcha and Japanese sweets while leisurely taking in the beautiful garden scenery. The most captivating feature is a heart-shaped "Inome window" on the north side of the hall, through which a heart-shaped view of the garden can be seen. The heart shape of the "Inome window" is not only one of Japan's traditional patterns but also carries a romantic modern feel, making it a popular spot for photography. The temple is picturesque throughout the four seasons. In spring and summer, the charming scenery of red flowers and green trees complements each other, while the autumn foliage creates a stunning landscape. In winter, the temple transforms into a world of pure white snow, with a tranquil and sacred atmosphere that is enchanting. Regardless of the season, the temple offers visitors delightful surprises and emotions with its diverse beauty and charm.

With the changing of the seasons, the temple grounds present different sceneries. Among them, the autumn maple leaves and golden ginkgo trees are particularly captivating. The garden features several waterfalls, with must-see spots being the "青龍瀑布" (Seiryu Falls) and "昇龍瀑布" (Shoryu Falls). There are many photo spots within the temple, with the heart-shaped "豬目窗" (Inoshikacho Window) highly recommended. Built in 1339, the temple allows visitors to feel the historical charm that transcends time. Among its highlights is the "釋迦堂" (Shaka Hall), which houses a seated statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.