Kochidani Amida-ji Temple
Amida-ji Temple is located on the outskirts of Ohara. So it is very far from the nearest but stop to the gate. From the gate to the temple grounds, a twenty-minute walk or more in the mountain is necessary. I love this journey.
If you prefer to drive, you can go halfway by car. As there is a direct road from the parking lot to the approach, many tourists tend to drive by the gate instead of passing through it. You must make a slight detour to walk the approach leading to the gate. What’s more, there is an impressive and easily-overlooked moss-dressed stone wall beneath the parking lot.
Amida-ji is a Jodo sect temple, however, the gate was designed in the Zen temple style, having a massive structure. Passing through under this symbolic building in the temple, you will feel as if you could step into the spiritual world.
Embracing a huge 800-year-old maple tree, which is a natural treasure, this temple is famous for autumn leaves. In late autumn, it is really nice to walk on the approach covered with a carpet of autumn-colored leaves, feeling the moist mountain air.
For me, the summer is the best season. The mossy stone wall is bright in color, a variety of green is mantling over the entire scenery in front of me, and beautiful sunbeams filtered through the foliage are dancing on the approach. Be sure to take a water bottle or some plastic bottled beverage in the summer. You have a fairly long walk, and there are no vending machines nearby. Have a few breaks along the way, and enjoy the natural colors, sounds, and air!
(Mitsuyuki Nakajima)