Bring this scene home, share it as a gift, or license it for your project:
The Green Patina of Time: Ryūge-ji Temple’s Roof・龍華寺の銅板葺屋根：時が刻む緑青の美
The main hall at Ryūge-ji Temple in Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, Japan, is a historic site founded in 1189 in the Mutsuura mountains. After the original structure burned in 1499, it merged with two neighboring temples, forming the present-day complex. This tranquil Buddhist sanctuary has endured for over 830 years, blending spiritual heritage with the surrounding urban landscape.
One of the most striking features is the kawara-yane (瓦屋根), a traditional curved roof made of fired clay tiles. Introduced to Japan from Korea in the 6th century alongside Buddhism, this roofing style was originally reserved for temples and government buildings. By the 14th century, it had expanded to include shrines, imperial palaces, and feudal castles.
During the Edo Period (1603–1868), kawara-yane became even more widespread, especially in Edo (modern-day Tokyo). Its fire resistance made it a preferred choice over thatch or cypress bark, which were highly flammable and required replacement every 20–30 years, while clay tiles lasted around 75 years.
Ryūge-ji Temple’s roof, however, has been refurbished with copper sheeting (銅板葺, dōbanbuki), which maintains the original curved shape of tiled roofing. Over time, the copper developed a greenish patina due to oxidation and weathering. Given the light green color of Ryūge-ji’s roof, I estimate that the current copper sheeting was installed at least 25 years ago.
Though Ryūge-ji Temple is not a well-known landmark, its history and quiet beauty left a lasting impression on me. Nestled in a local neighborhood, it stands as a reminder that Japan’s cultural heritage isn’t confined to famous sites—it’s woven into everyday places, waiting to be noticed.
Stumbling upon this centuries-old temple during a business trip felt like uncovering a hidden treasure. The aged copper roof, the sculpted trees, the tall stone lanterns—each detail told a story of endurance and tradition. In a fast-paced world, moments like these remind me to pause, observe, and appreciate the quiet legacies that surround us.
- Location: Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, Japan
- Timestamp: 2025/01/09 17:26
- Fujifilm X100V with 5% diffusion filter
- ISO 320 for 1/400 sec. at ƒ/2.5
- Classic Negative film simulation
References:
- Google Maps: Ryugeji Temple・龍華寺
- Ryugeji Temple Website (Japanese)
- JAANUS: Roofing Tiles (English)
- JAANUS: Tile Roofs (English)
- Sotozen: Hondo Main Hall (English)
- Nippon Kichi: Kawara Roofing Tile (English)
- Shahar Lilia: Kawara (English)
- Chibasei Corporation: Copper Roof (English)
- Impact Roofing: Copper Roof Patina Over Time (English)
Copyright Notice for All Images:
© 2011-2025 Pix4Japan. All rights reserved.
Unauthorized use for AI training is strictly prohibited.
Visit www.pix4japan.com to learn more.
No comments:
Post a Comment