VIDEO| A pleasant rain season walk at Shomyoji Temple in Yokohama, Japan

Although the rainy season in Japan is one of the least desirable seasons of the year, don’t expect to be sitting indoors playing videogames and dodging the rain. In the Kanto Plain, for example, the Japan Meteorological Agency predicts the region gets around 12 days of rain during the season. So, don’t let the gloomy, steamy weather shouldn’t stop you from enjoying some of the beautiful sights and flora this time of year.

My family and I took advantage of the lull in rain this season, to visit Shomyoji, a beautiful Buddhist temple, which is about a 30-minute drive from Yokosuka Naval Base. The elegant, 750-year-old temple and its beautiful grounds are an ideal locale for some exploring.

On the temple grounds, there are two 10-feet-tall, fierce-looking guardian god statues made of wood that were installed in 1323 and are important cultural assets of Kanagawa Prefecture.

As you walk a little further, you’ll find a large pond and peaceful Jodo-style garden, which according to the temple, is a reflection of Buddhist paradise.

The beautiful grounds and the rain season’s foliage here were a peaceful and quiet setting to enjoy this elegant season before the rain starts again.

Shomyoji (Buddhist Temple)

Hours: 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Location: 212-1 Kanazawa-cho, Kanazawa-ku, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Pref.

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Tel: 045-701-9573