The Sounds of Saihoji Through All Five Seasons

One would be forgiven for assuming that Saihoji is a quiet place. In reality, it is a very lively place. The voices chanting sutras during the morning and evening prayers, the sound of gardeners pruning, the rustling of the trees, and the chirping of birds. Every now and then you hear the sound of monkeys chattering coming from over the mountains. and suddenly you will realize that the temple grounds are full of many different sounds. In this series we would like to share some fragments of the sounds of Saihoji.

This recording of the Sounds of Saihoji is a long-form version totaling 45 minutes and covering all five seasons. Let the sounds accompany you as you meditate, work, or simply relax your mind.

Birds heralding spring, the waltz of the rainy season, the cicadas of summer, a cool autumn breeze, a frozen pond in winter, and the arrival of a new spring. The seasons change... but the cycle never ends.

Recorded by: HATA Yuya
Directed by: SAKUDO Yu
Produced by: CREATIVE STUDIO GETSUKURO
Photographed by: NAKATA Akira
*These photos were with permission.

The images of the five seasons shown in this video can be purchased as postcards at the temple. We hope that the time you have spent at Saihoji will remain with you as you go about your daily life.