Kisshoin Temple: My Go-To Spot for Wabi-Sabi Photography in Takaido
Kisshoin is close to my house. It’s on the south side of Takaido Station, and I’m on the north. This small temple is worth checking out. While I’m not a regular photographer there, I drop in when I am nearby or don’t have much time. It’s perfect for that type of photo shoot.
A haven of wabi-sabi charm
If you are into wabi-sabi, Kisshion is the place. It certainly is that. It meets the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy definition of being “subdued, austere beauty.” The grounds have a certain serenity about them.
There isn’t much to it. It has a main hall and many Buddhist icons on a replica of Mt. Ontake. A line of slowly eroding jizo statues fills one corner. Everything is slowly but surely falling into a state of decay. You can see it in the weathered grain of the wooden prayer hall. Yes, it has a subdued, austere beauty.
A photographer's quiet escape
No one is there whenever I go. I can’t remember the last time I saw someone praying at the hall or in the cemetery. But a rack has omikuji on it, so people must visit it.
It’s not a major sightseeing or photography spot. But I appreciate it. The classic temple architecture is beautiful. Plus, it’s near my house. Kisshoin’s wabi-sabi atmosphere makes it a photo spot for me!
This little temple isn’t a sprawling complex like Gokokuji or Sensoji. Instead, it’s the kind of intimate, neighborhood temple that forms the true spiritual fabric of the city. These are the places often overlooked by guidebooks, holding a quiet history for their local communities.
Plan your visit
Where is Kisshoin Temple?
Address: 1-5-44 Takaidonishi, Suginami City, Tokyo
Here it is on a Google map:
Closest train station
Takaido Station on the Keio-Inokashira Line.
Kisshoin Temple photo gear
- Camera Body: X-T3
- Lenses:
- XF 10-24mm f/4 R OIS
- XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR
Conclusion
When I don’t have time to search out one of Tokyo’s major temples, Kisshoin is something I fall back on. I’m lucky it’s near my apartment in Takaido. Maybe you know of similar places in this city. How about you tell us about it?
