Golden Ring at Chion-in Temple

　Chion-in is the head temple of the Jōdo-shū sect. Built in 1621 on the orders of Hidetada, the second shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate, its Sanmon gate—50 metres wide and 24 metres high—is often featured in Japanese history textbooks.

　Upon passing through the Sanmon Gate, a large golden ring monument comes into view. It is the work of Irish artist Joseph Walsh and was previously exhibited at the Irish Pavilion during the Osaka World Expo.

　Although it struck me as somewhat out of place when I first saw it, it strangely grows on you. As it is scheduled to remain on display until the end of next month, this is a special sight that can only be seen right now.