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Next, I went to Konkai-Komyoji Temple for the first time.
The temple is one of the head temples of Jodo Sect.
The founder of the temple is Honen.
For fans of history in the end of Edo period, it is well known as
the headquarters of Shinsengumi (a group of samurai warriors of the shogunate side).
When I came to the temple, I understood why the headquarters was set up there.
Because it has a large precinct and is relatively close from Old Imperial Palace.
It is said that about 1,000 members were able to station in the temple.
Also, I was right about coming here not overcrowded Nanzenji Temple or Eikando
during this time and I could stroll leisurely.
After I reflected on the end of Edo period, I head to Sanjo to buy souvenirs. (H.S)

The large abbey can be seen from its eastern slope.

The Amitabha hall and autumn leaves.

From the stone steps in front the the Founder’s hall to the temple gate.

The temple gate and colored leaves.

The stamp of the Konkai-Komyoji Temple.

I visit Nara for a music festival for recent years as I wrote about in my previous blog,
and I go to one place each year between the events.
I have visited Kofukuji Temple, Todaiji Temple and Kasuga Taisha Shrine and, this year
I strolled “Naramachi” street, not a shrine or a temple.

“Naramachi” is located on the south side of Nara Park and 15 minutes walk from Kintetsu Nara Station. The area used to be in the precincts of Gangoji Temple Gokurakubo and the extra section of the ancient capital in Nara called Heijokyo.

There are temples that were founded in Nara period, tradesmen’s houses since the late Edo period and modern new shops in Naramachi, so you can enjoy both old and new in the quiet and the somehow familiar area where has a lot of narrow alleys.
Also, in June, cat-lover shopkeepers in Naramachi appeal their affections for cats and display their products which have the motif of cats.

So, if you are a cat lover, why don’t you come to Naramachi in June? (H.S)

The five-story pagoda of Kofukuji Temple can be seen from Sarusawa Pond.

Information board with its back to the bloomy oleanders.

The main shop of Yu Nakagawa (Nakagawa Masashichi Shoten),
which extends across the country such as at GINZA SIX and famous department stores.

There are deers on either side of the shop logo.

There are beautiful tradesmen’s houses with a lattice door like this.

I had “Black curry with black rice and locally grown vegetables” for lunch in Nara at a cafe where I perchance saw, it was pretty good and not that spicy. Black rice is a kind of ancient rice. The cafe grows black rice by themselves.