Japanese Culture, Japanese Gardens, Traditional Japanese Architecture

Oyashiki (Persimmon Village)

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Oyashiki is a small enclave at the top of a hill in the Kōshū area of Yamanashi. In addition to having a couple of very attractive temples (Erin-ji and Hoko-ji), it also boasts a functioning waterwheel and orchards full of persimmons.

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The gate to Hoko-ji Temple
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Young people come to Hoko-ji Temple to pray for love.
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The waterwheel is surrounded by persimmon trees.
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A typical scene in Oyashiki

Many of the homes in Oyashiki maintain a traditional appearance and I found one that has been preserved in its original tsuchikabe (mud-walled) state.

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A traditional tsuchikabe (mud-walled) house

If you visit in November, you will see hoshigaki (dried persimmon) dangling from the eaves of many homes. This village is an attractive setting for two very beautiful temples.

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Oyashiki is famous for its dried persimmon.
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The persimmons are left to dry (protected from rain) for about a month.
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Dozens of orchards in the area produce dried persimmon for the local market.
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I couldn’t resist taking a picture of these beautiful pomegranates.

Getting There:

You can access Oyashiki from JR Shinjuku Station in just under 1.5 hours by taking an express train to JR Enzan Station on the JR Chuo Line. Once you arrive in Enzan, take the Nishizawa-Keikoku-bound bus from the south exit of JR Enzan Station. Get off at the Erin-ji-mae stop. Oyashiki is the area surrounding Erin-ji Temple.

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