One of the things I enjoy doing in Tokyo is browsing Google Maps for the Buddhist swastika symbol (卐) – not to be confused with the Nazi version – which shows where temples and shrines are located. Since many of them can be hidden away down small streets and alleys it’s a great way to explore the neighbourhood.
![Gokoku-ji Entrance](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/8702230818_98833b0672_b.jpg)
Close to where I live I came across Gokoku-ji (護国寺) – an impressive temple built in 1681 that is notable for surviving the American air raids during World War II, whereas most other historical sites in Tokyo were turned into rubble.
![Gokoku-ji Temple](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/8701109087_239e8dd4ab_b.jpg)
The stone stairway approach, under an avenue of trees, is gorgeous on a sunny day.
![Temple Grounds](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/8702232836_a3bd417524_b.jpg)
It’s a beautifully tranquil spot which doesn’t get many visitors so most of the time you’ll have the grounds to yourself.
![Colourful Gokoku-ji](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/8702233170_3ba21555b9_b.jpg)
![Temple Cats](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/8702251326_b6f456b676_b.jpg)
The only other inhabitants you might run into are the many cats with live there!
![Gokoku-ji Cemetery](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/8702251716_04d5005913_b.jpg)
Attached to the temple grounds is a large cemetery in typical Japanese style.
![Untitled](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/8701129243_a110559096_b.jpg)
![Peaceful Graveyard](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/8702252454_1cb47f0a55_b.jpg)
The perfect spot to clear your mind and get a bit of perspective.
![Untitled](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/8702252806_e4ff8c3514_b.jpg)
![Dog Lady](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/8701143385_c7b3f16158_b.jpg)
On my way back home I passed an old lady with no less than four dogs on leashes!
![Carp Streamer](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/8702266732_2940d9eb60_b.jpg)
To celebrate Tango no Sekku (端午の節句) or Children’s Day, carp-shaped wind socks known as Koinobori (鯉幟) are traditionally flown across rivers.
![PET Bottle Recycling](https://randomwire.com/wp-content/uploads/flickr_backup/8701144261_56f51e532a_b.jpg)
It never ceases to amaze me how efficient the recycling system is here – forget to properly separate your trash and you’ll be in big trouble (something I’ll save for another post).
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