Natadera in Ishikawa

This is one of the loveliest temples I have ever visited! I suppose it helps that I went there on a sunny autumn day when the light filtered through the tall cedars to ignite the maple leaves. The temple complex is large, with seven different buildings and gardens that are designated National Treasures. Matsuo Basho visited here in his travels, and left a haiku behind. Possibly the most famous feature, however, is the mountain of rock with several caves that have been turned into shrines.