Jan 21, 2015 - 1 min read

Joun-ji

Small temple tucked away in downtown Machida

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

The main hall looked beautiful in the winter sunshine

The main hall is decorated with a carved wooden phoenix

A carved shishi holding a ball

A carved shishi holding a peony stem in its mouth

A pair of sparrows under the eaves

Close-up of the phoenix on the main hall

The garden in its winter state

This beautifully ornate apex tile was standing in the garden - possibly from a previous incarnation of the main hall

New Year kagami-mochi beside the water sink

The temple stamp. Pilgrims collect these stamps in special books.

This motif was featured in several places around the temple including the wall and roof tiles.

You could easily walk past the entrance to this attractive temple without even noticing - it seems to be just another alley off a busy shopping street in downtown Machida. However if you would like a quiet peaceful spot to take a rest, Joun-ji is waiting for you. The pretty main hall has my favorite carved shishi (a Japanese mythological creature with protective powers). He is holding a peony stem in his mouth. There is also a beautiful carved phoenix with wings outstretched, and four carved panels depicting birds and flowers. The garden is pleasant even in winter, and must be lovely in the other three seasons too.

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Cathy Cawood

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

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