Kegon-ji (華厳寺) temple, also known as Suzumushidera (鈴虫寺, Cricket Temple), is very popular in Japan for the beautiful chirps of crickets on the premises. Visitors can join the Suzumushi Seppou (鈴虫説法, preaching ceremony while listening to crickets) in this season where light refreshments are served.
The temple is also famous for Kofuku-Jizo (幸福地蔵, a statue of bodhisattva for happiness), which is the only Jizo in Japan who wears a pair of Waraji (わらじ, straw sandals). Since certain rules for making wishes to this Jizo has been established, the procedures are introduced in the preaching ceremony. The other day, I visited the temple and made my own prayer to the Jizo too.
Akane Kibune,
Kyoto Expert Certificate 1st Grade
URL:
http://www.suzutera.or.jp/
Access:
3 mins. on foot from Kokedera-Suzumushidera, Kyoto bus
MAP:
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