Eikan-do

Hojo pond

This stairwell runs along the contours of the mountain slope, and is called 'Garyuro' because it resembles the form of a sleeping dragon (garyu).

This temple was founded in 855 by the priest Shinsho, but the name was changed in the 11th century to honour a widely respected priest named Eikan. The grounds were beautiful, with peaceful water gardens, impressive buildings, and beautiful artwork (of which, because it is a religious facility, photos are 'forbidden.' I couldn't help but compare the strict rules about photography here to the lax ones in western Europe where tourists snap away in cathedrals, the Louvre, and even the Sistine chapel).