🏯✨ *Sekisuiji Temple: A Hidden Zen Oasis in Shikoku* 🍃🌸

#summervacay Tucked away in **Ehime Prefecture**, **Sekisuiji Temple (石水寺)** is a serene escape where moss-covered stone paths, ancient camphor trees, and the whispers of history create a meditative retreat. Part of the **Shikoku Pilgrimage**, this *lesser-known* temple offers tranquility without the crowds. ### **🌿 *MUST-SEE HIGHLIGHTS*:** - **The Legendary "Stone Water":** Drink from the temple’s sacred spring—said to grant longevity and healing. 💧🙏 - **Giant Camphor Tree:** A **1,000-year-old guardian** with roots like dragon scales—feel its energy! 🐉🌳 - **Autumn Magic:** Visit in November when **maple trees ignite** in crimson and gold. 🍁🔥 - **Zen Garden:** Raked gravel and hidden symbolism—sit and let your mind unwind. ☯️ ### **💡 *TRAVEL TIPS*:** - **Combine with Nearby Temples:** Sekisuiji is **#45 of the 88 Shikoku Pilgrimage sites**—pair with nearby **Iyadani Temple (#44)** for a spiritual hike. - **Try *Jakoten*:** Ehime’s famous fried fish cakes, best eaten warm from a local stall. 🐟🍢 - **Respect the Silence:** This is a place of prayer—keep voices low and phones muted. ### **📸 *PHOTO SPOTS*:** - **The stone staircase** framed by towering cedars. - **Sunlight filtering through the camphor tree’s leaves**. 🌞 **#shikokupilgrimage #hiddenjapan #zenvibes #templewanderlust #ehimetravel** *Sekisuiji doesn’t shout—it whispers. Listen closely.* 🎋 **🚗 *Getting There:* 30-min drive from Matsuyama or a 1hr bus ride from Iyo-Saijo Station.** Free entry, but donations welcome!