View of main hall framed by the gate (Photo: Cathy Cawood)

Kai-Zenkoji

Kofu's best known temple looms above the vineyards

Cathy Cawood   - 1 minutos de lectura

There are two temples named  Zenkoji, one in Nagano, and one in Kofu in Yamanashi. The latter is usually called Kai-Zenkoji (Kai is the old name for that part of Yamanashi.) This beautiful and distinctive temple was established by samurai hero Takeda Shingen in 1565. The main hall is very large, and you can see it rising above the area's vineyards from far away. It has one of the cleanest, clearest ponds I've ever seen, containing an excellent collection of large and beautiful koi.

Cathy Cawood

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

 I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...