Autumn leaves: Engaku-ji

In the humble front garden of the temple dedicated to Sho-Kannon (Aryavalokitesvara,)  the dry leaves of the old maple tree are quietly turning scarlet as if to know when the biting cold wind will begin to blow. 

By the side of this small temple, the old Kinmokusei (golden fragrant olive) tree, which once bore countless golden flowers in early autumn, has returned to its inconspicuous evergreen figure and is quietly standing there to brace itself for the arrival of harsh midwinter.

As winter deepens moment by moment, autumn leaves become brightly colored more and more to dye this tranquil garden with the flaming colors of vivid afterglow.

Kinmokusei (Osmanthus fragrans) flowers and Sho-kannon-do temple: Engaku-ji

The countless small flowers of Kinmokusei (sweet olive) are in full bloom to notify the fast deepening of autumn and are announcing their gorgeous blooming by diffusing their sweet fragrance in this tranquil garden which will soon be adorned with colored autumn leaves. 

In the humble "Sho-kannon-do" temple below the cloud of golden yellow flowers, the small wooden statue of the Sho-kannon (Holy Avalokiteshvara) is silently standing, while tenderheartedly staring at the ceaseless and swift transition of the seasons and all living things before his eyes.

Kinmokusei (Osmanthus fragrans) flowers: Engaku-ji

According to a Chinese legend, Kinmokusei has been considered to be the sacred tree of the heavenly realm, which purges evil spirits and provides eternal youth and longevity. 

The moon is regarded to be the origin of this sacred tree, and the full moon shines in gold because golden Kinmokusei flowers are in full bloom on the moon.

This plant of fragrant flowers is dioecious, but only male plants were introduced to Japan from China in the 18th century as a garden plant and were propagated throughout Japan by cutting. 

Therefore, all Kinmokusei trees grown in Japan are male plants. These male flowers send out their sweet perfumes as if to silently sing ballads that express their unfulfilled longing of love in the midst of this gentle season.

Hagi, Sarusuberi, and Kin-mokusei flowers: Engaku-ji

Being wrapped with the transparent sunlight that descends from the clear autumn sky, the various colorful flowers that decorate this garden seem to be joyfully competing with each other for splendor.

Before long, the north wind will begin blowing to cause this garden to be ablaze with the autumnal tints of leaves.

The seasonal changes in sunshine conditions and ambient temperatures cause the blooming of different flowers and the transformation of various leaves, which makes us notice the stealthy turn of the seasons.

 

Kinmokusei (fragrant olive) flowers: Engaku-ji

Fallen flowers of Kinmokusei in Kaizo-ji

An enormous number of golden Kinmokusei (fragrant olive) flowers had been scattered all together in a very short time by the sudden night rain.

These small flowers were still staying on the glossy green leaves of Tsuwabuki (Farfugium japonicum) and the moss-covered ground to beautify this garden of autumn magically.

Kinmokusei (Osmanthus fragrans var. aurantiacus) flowers in Tokei-ji

The small golden flowers of Kinmokusei (fragrant olive) trees suddenly bloom all at once and emit a delightful aroma of autumn everywhere about here.

The spectacular blooming of these fragrant flowers is one of the most evident and graceful manifestations of the start of autumn in Kita-kamakura.

When a sudden rain falls, these flowers scatter simultaneously and decorate the ground surfaces splendidly with their gold petals.

Kinmokusei (Osmanthus fragrans var. aurantiacus) flowers in Jochi-ji

The period during which the bright orange flowers of Kinmokusei trees bloom is extremely short. These tiny flowers open and fall in concert as if by previous common consent everywhere in Kita-kamakura.

I found enormous flowers of Kinmokusei trees blooming spectacularly in many places few days ago.

After one night of a driving rain, most of these flowers fell all at once and created the brilliant mosaics of autumn on the ground wet with raindrops in every place.

Kinmokusei (Osmanthus fragrans var. aurantiacus) flowers in Tokei-ji