“Hydrangea temple.” The nickname alone hints at the floral spectacle that awaits us at Hondo-ji Temple. This temple in Matsudo City Chiba is more than just a place of worship. It’s a vibrant canvas painted with the colors of the seasons.
Hondo-ji Temple was built in 1277. It belongs to the Nichiren sect of Buddhism. Imagine this quiet sanctuary a mere 50 minutes by train from Tokyo Station. You might think such a convenient location would draw massive crowds. Hondo-ji Temple remains a well-kept secret.
Each June approximately 50000 hydrangeas burst into bloom. Over ten varieties create a stunning display. The Deva Gate marks the entrance to Hondo-ji Temple. After paying a small admission fee of 500 yen we can explore the grounds. The first sight is the five-storied pagoda. Hydrangeas surround a wide staircase near it.
Stone paving makes the walking path easy to navigate. Lush greenery thrives all around us. The main temple hall stands close to the five-storied pagoda. From the main hall you can head towards the sanctuary and the iris pond.
Around the beginning of June about 5000 irises bloom near the pond. Seeing both irises and hydrangeas during the same visit is fortunate. Benten-do is another area worth exploring.
It takes about an hour to walk around the temple grounds. Despite its proximity to the city Hondo-ji Temple offers tranquility. The autumn leaves here are beautiful around mid-to-late November.
Hondo-ji Temple is also known as Chokokusan Hondoji. Large evergreen trees line the path creating a green tunnel. Hydrangea shrubs add to the anticipation.
Inside the Niomon Gate two wooden warriors stand guard. Countless hydrangea shrubs cover the grounds. Colorful hydrangeas and cherry blossoms surround the five-storied pagoda. Maples also grow here. The main hall is also adorned with hydrangeas azaleas and maples.
The Iris Pond is another popular photo spot. Japanese hydrangeas and irises grow here. The Myorodo area boasts many Japanese hydrangeas. The statue of Nichizo is enshrined at Zoushido. Benten Pond features butterfly flowers.
Hondo-ji Temple is believed to be a power spot. It is said to bring safe transport child treasure and good luck. The tomb of Ms. Akiyama a concubine of Ieyasu Tokugawa is located here. People also come here to pray for money at Zeniarai Benten.
“Milk of Reizu” is a spring with a miraculous story. Today it is a popular spot for children safe birth and marriage blessings. Hondo-ji Temple offers an original Goshuin temple seal book with a hydrangea design.
Cherry blossoms bloom in the spring. Autumn leaves paint the landscape in the fall. Hondo-ji Temple is beautiful in every season. A visit on a rainy weekday is recommended. The wet hydrangeas create a beautiful contrast. Hondo-ji Temple is a hidden gem away from Tokyo’s hustle. Its beauty transcends seasons offering something unique year-round.