Hello Japan fans!
Japan has four wonderful seasons: warm spring, dazzling sunshine in summer, modest autumn, and harsh winter. Today we will introduce Hondo-ji Temple, where you can enjoy the four seasons to the fullest!
What is Hondo-ji Temple?
Hondo-ji Temple is located in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture, and is a historic temple that was founded in 1277.
Within the grounds is a statue hall dedicated to Saint Nichizo, and the well next to it is said to have the miraculous powers of aiding in safe childbirth and child-rearing.
The temple also enshrines various other deities, such as Myoro Sonni, also known as the “Mother Bodhisattva,” and Kishimojin, the child-rearing goddess.
The grounds are spacious and resemble a mountain, and the plants and flowers at Hontokuji are “treasure trees” that brightly decorate the Buddhist grounds, and you can walk around and look at them.
What’s so great about Hondo-ji Temple?
What is so wonderful about such a venerable mainland temple? Isn’t it just a temple?
Let us answer such questions!
First of all, hydrangeas are too beautiful! (about June)
First of all, hydrangeas. Hondenji Temple is commonly known as the Hydrangea Temple. If you visit during the rainy season in June, you will be welcomed by many hydrangeas!
During the hydrangea season, it looks great no matter where you take your photos. It is even better if you are wearing a kimono or something similar. (There are no kimono hire shops in the area as it is not Kyoto, but ……alas…….)
Around June, when the hydrangeas are in full bloom, Japan is in the middle of its rainy season, and the long rains that follow can make sightseeing a bit depressing…
However, if you come to the “Hydrangea Temple” (=Mainland Temple), you will be very happy to see many hydrangeas!
Of course, since it is a Japanese temple, the autumn leaves are wonderful!
Japanese temples are famous for their autumn foliage! Beauty before winter, wabisabi are all here. The beauty of a tasteful moment can be found here in the mainland temples.
Do you know what an iris leaf is? In fact, Hondoji is also famous for irises.
Have you heard of irises? They bloom around waterside in May as spring ends and summer approaches.
There are iris gardens all over Japan where you can see magnificent iris flowers during the peak season, and Hondo-ji Temple also has an iris garden within its grounds.
By the way, in Japan, there is a custom of putting iris leaves in the bath on Children’s Day on May 5th! I wonder why? Please come and enjoy the iris flowers at Hondo-ji Temple in May.
How do I get to Hondo-ji Temple?
So then, where is the mainland temple and how do I get there? We will tell you what you are wondering!
Hondenji Temple is located in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture. To get there by train, take the JR Joban Line and get off at Kitakogane Station. (Quite a walk).
If you go by car, take the access road to Hondoji, where there is a visitor’s car park. The car park is very small and can only accommodate about 20 cars.
If you just want to visit Honshu-dera Temple during the off-season, you can park in the temple parking lot, but during the crowded season, such as the hydrangea and autumn foliage seasons, it is recommended to park in the private parking lot (gravel parking lot) along the approach to the temple and walk along the approach to Honshu-dera Temple! The parking fee is about 500 yen.
There are shops along the approach to the main temple that are fun to visit!
There are a few shops along the road leading to the temple, but they are not many. You can take a break and eat some dango or buy souvenirs.
Matsudo is famous for its brand of
leeks called Yagiri leeks, but I found some leeks called Ajisai leeks for sale, so I bought some as a souvenir! They’re delicious just grilled and eaten.
There were even some hydrangea-themed candy souvenirs! They’re so cute, I bet kids would love them.
If you come to Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture, please come and experience the changing seasons at Hondoji Temple.
fanfanjapan!!
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