The white "Senbon Torii" gates have been unveiled at Saito-ji Temple in Hoso, Niimi City, which is famous for its blooming hydrangeas, making it a popular spot. When I visited on June 24th last year, the hydrangeas were in full bloom, and the pure white torii gates and blue hydrangeas stood out against the clear blue sky.
2023.04.19The "Thousand Torii" of Jitsuji Temple
The pure white "Senbon Torii" gates have been unveiled at Saido-ji Temple, famous for its blooming hydrangeas, making it a popular spot. Saido-ji Temple is said to have been built by Kukai (Kobo Daishi), and the color of the gates is a reference to the white dragon that traveled to Japan from Tang China with Kukai during the Heian period and is said to have brought with it the pottery manufacturing techniques that would become the basis for Hoso-yaki. The previous head priest, wanting many people to learn about the white dragon and visit the temple, used his own money to build the "Senbon Torii." Unfortunately, although the "Senbon Torii" gates were completed in May 2021, the previous head priest passed away in March before they could see their completion. Currently, the gates have become a popular spot visited by many people, and the wife of the previous head priest has carried on the vision of the previous head priest. Click here for more information
White torii gate and peaches!!
If you look closely at the white torii gate, you will see a peach! Legend has it that Hakuryu brought peach trees from Tang Dynasty China to the temple, and so a peach is carved into the top of the gate.
Dazzling reflector effect!
It's like a pure white tunnel that sucks you in, with a dazzling reflector effect.
The hydrangeas were in full bloom
On the mountain side of the white torii gate, many blue hydrangeas were blooming, and they looked beautiful against the white torii gate. There were many Japanese bush warblers singing with beautiful voices, and I was soothed by the sounds of the hydrangeas and the bush warblers singing as I walked. Apparently, the irises were also beautiful in mid-June.
Blue Mountain Hydrangea
Many blue hydrangeas are blooming on the mountainside. There is a sign that says "Watch out for vipers," so I took this photo without going into the grass. There are about 11,000 hydrangeas, which were planted 30 years ago in groups of 1,100 over a period of 10 years. The hydrangeas are vibrant and beautiful thanks to the nutrients from the mountain, but the owner's wife takes care of the flowers by herself, starting in August and continuing until November. Apparently, caring for the plants to keep them blooming beautifully is a lot of work.
78 "Thousand Torii"
There are 78 torii gates in total. When I asked, "Why is it called 1,000 torii gates?", I was told, "1,000 means a large number." I see. By the way, brightly colored clothes look great against the pure white torii gates.
Hakuryuden
I prayed at Hakuryu-den Hall in front of Hakuryu's grave and bought a fortune slip.
Koyasu Kannon
The peach tree that Hakuryu is said to have brought from Tang Dynasty China is said to have borne two fruits from one flower. This is apparently something that is sometimes seen with plums, but is rare nationwide for peaches. When the tree grew old and was divided, the new tree also bore two fruits from one flower. For this reason, it is known as the "Couple Peach Tree" and is revered as the god of fertility. It is enshrined right next to Hakuryu-den Hall.
Main Hall
Prayers are also held in the main hall. On the grounds of the main hall, a stone tower has the seven wonders associated with Kukai (Kobo Daishi) written on the back. Take a look around and try to find them one by one.
Guardian Tower of Stone Art
This stone pagoda is an important cultural property of Niimi City. The lower part is a guardian tower, and the date engraved on the base is extremely rare.
Hydrangeas were also in bloom.
Among the many blue hydrangeas in bloom, there were also pink lace hydrangeas in bloom.
Niomon Gate
In spring, weeping cherry blossoms bloom at the Niomon Gate in front of the Senbon Torii, and it is said to be picturesque on full moon nights.
The red hall and torii gate stand out
The temple and torii gate standing in the water lily pond stood out against the fresh greenery.
water lily
Yellow water lilies were blooming in the reservoir.
Blue hydrangeas bloom along the road
On the way to the parking lot, you can see beautiful blue hydrangeas, including lacecap hydrangeas. The mountain road from Route 180 to Saido-ji Temple is only wide enough for one car in some sections, so please be careful when passing other cars.
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