Jousenji

Jousenji Temple of the Shingon sect of Buddhism.

There are many Jizo statues here and statues of historical figures of the Singon sect. The Jizo are statues of bodhisattva, a diety "revered among Buddhists, and the protector of travelers, expectant mothers, and children."

"A cave in the hill behind Jousenji, said to have been carved until the mid-Edo period as a dojo (training hall) of Japanese Esoteric Buddhism."

I love visiting temples this time of year. They offer a nice refuge from the concrete jungle of daily urban life. 

Entranceway to the temple grounds.

The monks at this temple have some unique pots that I have never seen anywhere else. 

Growing of the lotus plant is a significant symbol of Buddhism.

I have noticed that unlike most Shinto shrines, Buddhist temples tend to have a more curvature to their architecture.

This a classic, traditional Japanese-style of fencing using various parts of bamboo.

Another statue of statues of a historical figure of the Singon sect.

Although some Shinto shrines will have big bells like this one, I think it is more common to see one at a Buddhist temple.

Temple grounds.

Water well on the temple grounds.

Although actually not allowed, I snuck in a few pictures of the ceiling of the caves where monks had carved religious symbols hundreds of years ago.

Entrance to the cave where the monks used to meditate.

It's easy to miss this temple and it's cave since it is off the beaten path at the edge of a small valley of factories and rice paddies.

Source: http://en.japantravel.com/view/taya-cavern-shingon-historic-site

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