Houtokuji Temple|Calm view of Jizo and whooping cherries

Year 2024July 2024JulyHoutokuji TempleSarusuri (Japanese snowball)Shrines, Temples, CastlesGunma prefecture (Kantou area)blooming (esp. of cherry blossoms)
This photo captures the serene scene of Jizo statues and crape myrtles at Hōtoku-ji Temple.

This photograph was taken with careful consideration of the balance between the crape myrtle tree and the Jizo statue. I consciously aimed to position the Jizo statue vertically relative to the ground while also striving to fit as much of the crape myrtle into the frame as possible. Hōtoku-ji Temple is a place whose charm lies in the beauty of nature throughout the seasons and its quiet, serene atmosphere. During summer, the scenery adorned with Japanese umbrellas, fresh green maple leaves, and wind chimes is especially popular, offering visitors a refreshingly cool, quintessentially Japanese landscape. The vibrant Japanese umbrellas displayed within the temple grounds, interwoven with the fresh green maple leaves, and the space filled with the cool, soothing sound of wind chimes calm the hearts of those who see them. These spots are also noted for being photogenic. During my stroll, I happened to find a crepe myrtle (sarusuberi) flower blooming near the Jizo statue. The vivid pink blossoms combined with the serene figure of the Jizō statue created a scene so captivating that I couldn't help but stop and gaze.