By checking the "Map Location" link you will get an idea how isolated Jikou-ji is. If it hadn't been for this new "Google Maps" service, I would never have known there was a temple located there.
Karamon, or Main Gate.
Located just off route-10, of the Ikoma-sanke Hiking Course (map of hike), Jikou-ji is one of those gems (for want of a better description) one experiences when hiking. It's not a huge complex - in comparison to the likes of Hozan-ji - but it's location couldn't be more idyllic and serene.
Karamon and Shourou, or Bellfry.
Once entering through the main gate, the garden area is quite compact but, after a short flight of steps, you reach the upper, and more spacious area if the complex . . .
. . . . which has been well camouflaged by the surrounding forest. Up to this point I had been hiking for over five hours and I was in need of a suitable spot to take-a-break for lunch. Sitting on the decking of the temple was that perfect spot.
After my lunch-break, and a re-study of my map, I took a stroll through the grounds to check-out some of the Buddhist Icons on display. Religious Icons are a favorite interest of mine and, whenever out hiking or cycling, I am keen to view & photo such objects.
So, before signing-off, let me invite you to view my video of Jikou-ji. Enjoy. | |
Postscript - while I was wandering through the grounds, a group of hikers suddenly appeared out of the forest then, after a quick look around, soon disappeared back into the forest (at the end of the video), which has brought me to the conclusion that there is an alternative access to Jikou-ji. This, I have to check-out so, in the coming weeks, I shall be returning.