Every year around mid-June, this temple allows visitors to enjoy approximately 10,000 hydrangeas planted within its grounds.
It is said that the chief priest and his wife planted each one by hand.
First, I entered the entrance to the hydrangea forest and headed towards the farm road.
The hydrangeas were beautiful against the backdrop of the green rural landscape.
When I reached the farm road, I saw hydrangeas planted far up the hillside. Colorful hydrangeas bloomed in profusion.
This is the view looking back at the path I had walked.
Next, I climbed up the hillside.
Cool blue and purple hydrangeas bloomed all over the slope.
Looking down from the top of the slope, a beautiful garden of hydrangeas appeared! It was a spectacular view.
Flowers bloomed profusely all around.
At the top of the slope, cute Jizo statues greeted me.
At Nihonmatsu-ji Temple, you can enjoy various types of hydrangeas.
After about an hour of leisurely walking, I arrived at the main hall, my goal.
The main hall of this temple is said to enshrine a hidden Buddha, Yakushi Nyorai, donated by Mitsukuni Mito. Also, the natural monument maki tree, said to have been planted by Mitsukuni Mito when he rebuilt and donated the main hall in Genroku 4 (1691), is also worth seeing.
The chōzuya (purification font) in front of the main hall was also decorated with colorful hydrangeas.
Finally, I paid my respects to the main deity and received a limited-edition hydrangea goshuin (temple seal) for this season.
I enjoyed forest bathing, hydrangeas, and walking, and was able to pay homage to Yakushi Nyorai, making for a very fulfilling time.
Text and Photos: Hashimoto (Community Collaboration Team)
[Nihonmatsu-ji Temple Basic Information]
Tendai Sect Hagurosan Nihonmatsu-ji Temple
1230 Horinouchi, Itako City, Ibaraki Prefecture
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