Once again, I visited the Kozanji temple located in a mountain side of north east Kyoto early July. Since the first time – maybe 30 years ago, I have come here many times. The Kozanji is far from the center of the city. It lies along the mackerel road (ancient transportation route for sea food from the Sea of Japan side – current national road No.162). 

Although this temple is a part of the world cultural heritage sites, as #1 access from the city is not good, #2 there is no highlighted attraction such as the Golden Pavilion, it is not popular place for sightseeing. Not so many tourists come here except fall when autumnal leaf coloration is so beautiful.

All buildings of Konzanji temple which lie on the side of hill are simple and not so big. The colors of building (white, gray, earth and wooden color) represent Zen aesthetics – beauty of ultimate simplicity. The building located on the cliff top is ‘Sekisuiin’ – a national heirloom – the study which was built about 700 years ago. It is a very simple wooden structure building which has three opening section south, east and west sides. 

When we sit in the center of this tiny wooden building, the scenery and light of these three side are different. For example, when we see bright / vivid scenery on the south side, quiet scenery are observed on east and west side simultaneously. As time goes by, scenery and light of each side are changing.

So, when I visit the Sekisuiin, I stay there for one or two hours in order to taste just change of scenery and light. It is one of greatest moment of life. As far as I know, nobody spend time there like me. Most visitors just see around and take some pictures and leave. (Maybe it takes 10 – 15 minutes)
I believe that the Sekisuiin is one of the best meditation places in the world. I strongly recommend to visit there and stay in the center of the building to taste passage of time in silence if you have time.