“Such reverence!” Have you felt it when encountering a monument of deep respect? Here at the \u5927\u3000\u539f \u4ef0\u6728 \u9053 Stele you feel it emanating from the very stone.
This stele stands as a quiet marker. It may seem like just another stone monument. Yet it holds stories of pilgrims, history and culture.
Ohara is a small village. It rests north of Kyoto. It is known for its rural beauty. It also has historically significant temples. Once, Kyoto residents saw Ohara as a remote area. Today, a bus from the city center can get you here in an hour.
Many people come to Ohara by bus. When you arrive, exit the bus station. Head east. You will pass a noodle restaurant. Keep going and you will find the Ro-gawa River. You will see food and souvenir shops. The \u5927\u3000\u539f \u4ef0u6728 \u9053 Stele is part of this serene landscape.
Ohara’s temples belong to the Tendai sect. These temples may be small. They often consist of only a couple of buildings or a garden. Behind the temples, a trail leads into the mountains. This path eventually takes you to Otonashi Waterfall.
Near the \u5927\u3000\u539f \u4ef0u6728 \u9053 Stele, there are memorials to emperors Go-Toba and Juntoku. Go-Toba tried to restore the nobility’s power in the 13th century. He and his son Juntoku led a rebellion. They were defeated. Both emperors died in exile. They also wrote poems. These poems are in the “100 Poems” anthology.
Nearby stands Jikko-in Temple. It is a peaceful alternative to the more popular Sanzen-in. Jikko-in features a garden. A pamphlet explains the garden’s symbolism. The temple includes matcha tea and Japanese sweets.
Not far from here is Sanzen-in Temple. It was founded by the monk Saicho. Saicho also founded the Tendai Buddhist sect. After paying the entry fee, you can sit and drink tea. You can also view the Shuheki-en Garden.
Consider the \u5927\u3000\u539f \u4ef0u6728 \u9053 Stele as a silent storyteller. It links us to Ohara’s temples. It connects us with emperors and monks. It reminds us of the beauty and history found in this special village.