# This is an authorized translation in English of a post in French by @japon: [Goûter à la sérénité du temple Jojakko-ji](https://steemit.com/fr/@japon/gouter-a-la-serenite-du-temple-jojakko-ji) ^{As my primary language is not English, there are probably some mistakes in my translation.} ## Remember that the person that speaks here is NOT me, Vincent Celier (@vcelier), but @japon, a French guy. *** The giant bamboo forest of Arashiyama is beginning to welcome its flow of tourists. I slip away to make room for them and head for the Jojakko-ji temple. I cross the railway line that leads to the [Torokko station](Torokko Arashiyama Station), not without let the train go. ![](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmRiwnYPAWrmKQ7qzsweq3KhbkkjiHB39tsNcHSmymTqQk/jojakko-ji-0.jpg) I'm following my GPS, I pass by a pond and I'm supposed to arrive in front of the temple entrance. I do not see anything, it's weird. I continue on the road hoping to find an indication, still nothing. I finally see a person coming in and asking where the temple is. She then shows me the entry, telling me that it only opens at 10 am, I have 30 minutes to wait. I take the opportunity to explore the surroundings, and come back right at the time of opening. I am the first visitor of the day. The temple is built at the foot of a mountain, or rather on the side because the visit is a beautiful climb on the heights and it offers a beautiful view of Arashiyama. It is a succession of paths and stairs, which always lead higher. ![](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmemuspj52hUixeRDh8vd4gycwczSoYki9KL3iUamcnhgn/jojakko-ji-1.jpg) It begins with the main door, surrounded by maples, which opens onto a first grand staircase. All along, lanterns are arranged, lanterns of all shapes and sizes. ![](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmQ2NUTrA6yudpk7fRFD2hRcqrCqrWF37XQacrN5Mfrway/jojakko-ji-2.jpg)
![](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmWqyLtUt358MWdVnimsvyHKtLeHJnPkGeRmHzgpudT1qw/jojakko-ji-4.jpg)
![](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmfV7Gz38Uy4YHX3HYuqRYV6CLUXuoiwbuxofkWZruvKKh/jojakko-ji-5.jpg)
![](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmaUTRiJgb5sTSq2VvKjRRrGpbiHDxGg5bvJBYa7P7S99X/jojakko-ji-7.jpg) Halfway through, I arrive in front of several traditional pavilions, which are really beautiful. The place is surrounded by greenery, including [Momiji](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acer_palmatum) maples some of which are starting to take some autumnal colors. ![](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmZupsAuJ3J5vvpbH9N4cuNwZAT3fsLNbmXCuA54HpewNQ/jojakko-ji-8.jpg)
![](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmeV3aoULMfLHquWm9x6CnKbVeRz3dZvafxiFXt2ziLb6a/jojakko-ji-10.jpg) And there is moss, a lot of moss. The place is extremely wet and the ground is a silky rug, a green wonderland. It is a real moment of calm and relaxation, there are very few tourists. Finally, I arrive at the top, with a beautiful pagoda and the view of the surroundings. ![](https://steemitimages.com/0x0/https://cdn.steemitimages.com/DQmRLKHEvtk5s2J66AneAoSzGpQecpMUxstUMZd3Da6E8Tm/jojakko-ji-11.jpg) The Jojakko-ji temple was the pleasant surprise of this day in Arashiyama. It's a magical place, a true [Épinal print](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%C3%89pinal_print) of traditional Kyoto. Sometimes words have to disappear to make room for images ... -- @japon *** 01: [Travel diary in Japan, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/travel-diary-in-japan-by-japon-translation-from-french) 02: [Tokyo, overcrowded city? Really? by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/tokyo-overcrowded-city-really-by-japon-translation-from-french) 03: [Are the Japanese too disciplined? by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/are-the-japanese-too-disciplined-by-japon-translation-from-french) 04: [Going to Japan without speaking Japanese? by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/going-to-japan-without-speaking-japanese-by-japon-translation-from-french) 05: [Ueno, more than just a big park in Tokyo, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/ueno-more-than-just-a-big-park-in-tokyo-by-japon-translation-from-french) 06: [Asakusa, diving in the heart of Tokyo's historic district, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/asakusa-diving-in-the-heart-of-tokyo-s-historic-district-by-japon-translation-from-french) 07: [Ameyoko, Ueno's colorful market, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/ameyoko-ueno-s-colorful-market-by-japon-translated-from-french) 08: [Tsukiji, the largest fish market in the world, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/tsukiji-the-largest-fish-market-in-the-world-by-japon-translated-from-french) 09: [Climb the steps of Atago Jinja Shrine in Tokyo, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/climb-the-steps-of-atago-jinja-shrine-in-tokyo-by-japon-translated-from-french) 10: [Hama Rikyu, an exceptional park in the heart of Tokyo, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/hama-rikyu-an-exceptional-park-in-the-heart-of-tokyo-by-japon-translated-from-french) 11: [Jimbocho, old books and tempura, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/jimbocho-old-books-and-tempura-by-japon-translated-from-french) 12: [Shinjuku Gyoen Park and the best burger in the world!, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/shinjuku-gyoen-park-and-the-best-burger-in-the-world-by-japon-translated-from-french) 13: [One night in Shibuya, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/one-night-in-shibuya-by-japon-translated-from-french) 14: [Takeshita dori : this little street dedicated to fashion (and good crepes), by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/takeshita-dori-this-little-street-dedicated-to-fashion-and-good-crepes-by-japon-translated-from-french) 15: [They lie to you about Kyoto, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/they-lie-to-you-about-kyoto-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 16: [The temples and secret garden of Higashi in Kyoto, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/the-temples-and-secret-garden-of-higashi-in-kyoto-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 17: [Kinkaku-ji, the temple of the Golden Pavilion in Kyoto, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/kinkaku-ji-the-temple-of-the-golden-pavilion-in-kyoto-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 18: [Ryoan-ji, the amazing stone garden in Kyoto, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/ryoan-ji-the-amazing-stone-garden-in-kyoto-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 19: [The Ninna-ji Temple and its extraordinary gardens, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/the-ninna-ji-temple-and-its-extraordinary-gardens-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 20: [Kyoto Gyoen, the Imperial Palace Park, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/kyoto-gyoen-the-imperial-palace-park-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 21: [Nishiki Market: A Must in Kyoto, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/nishiki-market-a-must-in-kyoto-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 22: [Ginkaku-ji, the temple of the silver pavilion in Kyoto, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/ginkaku-ji-the-temple-of-the-silver-pavilion-in-kyoto-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 23: [Meditate on the path of philosophy, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/meditate-on-the-path-of-philosophy-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 24: [Nanzen-ji, its impressive gate and two gardens, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/nanzen-ji-its-impressive-gate-and-two-gardens-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 25: [Heian-jinju: the big shrine and its garden that I almost missed, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/heian-jinju-the-big-shrine-and-its-garden-that-i-almost-missed-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 26: [Eikan-do, the temple of the momiji maples in Kyoto, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/eikan-do-the-temple-of-the-momiji-maples-in-kyoto-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 27: [Kodai-ji, a Kyoto temple dedicated to a woman's love for her husband, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/kodai-ji-a-kyoto-temple-dedicated-to-a-woman-s-love-for-her-husband-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 28: [Sannenzaka and Ninenzaka, the streets of Higashiyama, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/sannenzaka-and-ninenzaka-the-streets-of-higashiyama-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 29: [Kiyomizu-dera, the temple of pure water in Kyoto, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/kiyomizu-dera-the-temple-of-pure-water-in-kyoto-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 30: [Tofuku-ji: the maple lookout point, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/tofuku-ji-the-maple-lookout-point-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 31: [Makis, Yasaka-jinja Shrine and Maruyama Park, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/makis-yasaka-jinja-shrine-and-maruyama-park-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 32: [Nijo Castle and its fabulous garden, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/nijo-castle-and-its-fabulous-garden-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 33:[Departure for Osaka and its castle, and announcement of a typhoon, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/departure-for-osaka-and-its-castle-and-announcement-of-a-typhoon-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 34: [Osaka, the garden Keitaku-en under a torrential rain, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/osaka-the-garden-keitaku-en-under-a-torrential-rain-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 35: [Doguya-suji, the kitchen market in Osaka, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/doguya-suji-the-kitchen-market-in-osaka-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 36: [Dōtonbori, the bustling district of Osaka, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/d-tonbori-the-bustling-district-of-osaka) 37: [Back to Kyoto and Typhoons, meetings and reunions, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/back-to-kyoto-and-typhoons-meetings-and-reunions-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 38: [Sanjūsangen-dō, the temple of a thousand and one statues, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/sanjusangen-d-the-temple-of-a-thousand-and-one-statues-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 39: [On the road to Fushimi Inari Taisha, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/on-the-road-to-fushimi-inari-taisha-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 40: [Daigo-ji, the large Buddhist complex built on a mountainside, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/daigo-ji-the-large-buddhist-complex-built-on-a-mountainside-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 41: [Departure for Nara, we look at the fallow deers and we mistake the garden, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/departure-for-nara-we-look-at-the-fallow-deers-and-we-mistake-the-garden) 42: [Isui-en, the big Japanese garden of Nara, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/isui-en-the-big-japanese-garden-of-nara-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 43: [Todai-ji, the temple with the huge Buddha statue in Nara, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/todai-ji-the-temple-with-the-huge-buddha-statue-in-nara-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 44: [Nara, from Nigatsu-dō to Kasuga, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/nara-from-nigatsu-d-to-kasuga-by-japon-tranlated-from-french) 45: [Arashiyama, the district west of Kyoto and its bamboo plantation, by @japon](https://steemit.com/travel/@vcelier/arashiyama-the-district-west-of-kyoto-and-its-bamboo-plantation-by-japon-tranlated-from-french)