A MORNING IN HASEDERA, 3-PART PHOTO SERIES RECAP
A collection of highlights from the journey to the iconic temple grounds
Over the past couple weeks, I published a 3-Part photo-series called A Morning in Hasedera.
The images document my mini-pilgrimage to Hasedera Temple in Nara Prefecture, Japan earlier this spring.
To wrap up the series, I conveniently compiled the highlights of each part.
Recap below:
A couple train transfers and an hour and a half southeast of Osaka City, the iconic temple sits on a beautiful mountainside.
Although there’s a sturdy infrastructure of signs and shops catered to visitors making their way to the sacred grounds, you’ll miss the crowds if you set out early enough.
Left: After entering, you can choose between a slew of maze-like pathways. These trails twist and turn, winding you through numerous mountainside shrines and temples, including Hasedera Gojunoto.
Right: Along the journey, you’ll also come across a plethora of sanctified objects, like this statue standing tall in the sunbeams.
Mountain and village view from a tastefully-nestled wooden lookout.
There’s no shortage of spots like this to catch a beautiful panorama.
See Part 1 in full here.
Part 1 took us through the temple grounds.
In Part 2, we’ll see some treasures of the surrounding town.
Left: An undisturbed, small-town road not far from the Hasedera Temple compound.
Right: A classic shrine gate (torii) adorned with a simple but beautiful decoration and flower arrangement. These gates symbolize the transition into a new realm, from the everyday into the fantastical.
Left: Just outside the grounds, looking over a village tucked in the valley below.
Right: The Yamato River gently splashing between small-town homes.
Full Part 2 blog here.
Parts 1 and 2 took us on a quest through the temple compound and surrounding town, but now it’s time to head back to Osaka City.
Through the train window, Part 3 reveals the landscape’s slow transformation from rural to metropolitan.
Left: On the first leg of the journey, cruising down the tracks through open fields and small towns.
Right: Inching towards the city. Buildings growing taller, open space dwindling.
Back in the city limits; countryside long forgotten in the sprawling rooftops and heightened energy.
See full Part 3 set here.
Through the temple grounds (Part 1), around the town (Part 2), and back on the train (Part 3).
A journey to the countryside through the 3-part photo-series, A Morning in Hasedera.
Thanks for joining me on the adventure.
If you like the vibe of this series, there’s a nice set of ready-to-print digital photos in my online shop. A handy pit stop for a birthday or upcoming holiday- can’t go wrong with a unique, heartfelt photo.
Thanks a lot for reading,
-Andy / We Speak in Colors
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