Moss-covered path: Tokei-ji

 

Moss and stream: Kencho-ji

Stone wall: Kencho-ji

Fern and moss: Tokei-ji

Stone steps: Tokei-ji

Moss in Toke-ji

The ray of sunlight coming in through the grove is softly shining on the green moss typical of this season, which is commonly called "Toranoo-goke" in Japan.

This strange name "Toranoo-goke" means "moss like a tiger's tail" because the shape of this moss looks like a tiger's tail.

A vivid red leaf, which is lying on this moss accidentally, is enhancing the beauty of the fresh greenness peculiar to this season.

Mosses in Tokei-ji

Beautiful green mosses are growing peacefully on the stones in a corner of the garden without being seen.

Moss-covered stone steps in Sugimoto-dera

The old stone steps which had been worn and abandoned are mossed densely with age.

The shining deep green of the moss is adorning the quiet beauty of the wavy stone steps which nobody goes up and down any more.

A moss-covered stone lantern in Tokei-ji temple

I found the dark and beautiful greenness of moss in the garden of Tokei-ji after the heavy rain of summer.

The uncommon beauty of vegetation peculiar to this melancholic rainy season is presented by the pale sunlight from the gloomy sky and the air heavy with moisture.

This deep greenness made me feel the absolute calmness of mind in the peaceful garden which secretly begins to prepare for radiant midsummer.

Fern and moss in Tokei-ji temple

Moss in the garden of tokei-ji temple

I found tiny green moss (Marchantia polymorpha, namely liverwort) vigorously and densely growing on the moist rock surface.

Such inconspicuous plants stealthily support the eternal cycle of life in this beautiful garden similarly to various unobtrusive fungus.