Plum Blossoms and Buddha

Springtime at the giant Buddha in Nokogiriyama, Chiba

Victoria Vlisides Feb 24, 2016 - 1 min read

A tranquil scene at Nokogiriyama, or "Sawtooth mountain."

Plum blossoms were in full bloom in late February.

Behind the blossoms is the stone carved Buddha.

The "daibutsu" is just one part of Nokogiriyama.

The Buddha is located in Nihon-ji Temple.

On the Boso Peninsula of Chiba Prefecture lies a hidden gem most tourists don't ever see. It's Mount Nokogiri (鋸山), or "Sawtooth Mountain."

The costal spot has it all: breath-taking nature, ancient buddhist carvings, wild monkeys and -- during the spring -- dazzling plum blossoms. Tourists can lay their eyes on the towering, hand-carved "Daibutsu" or giant buddha at Nihon-ji Temple, surrounded by vibrantly pink blossoms. It's magnificently tranquil in any season but visiting it in spring was especially charming.

Victoria Vlisides @victoria.vlisides

Trained journalist who's not yet jaded. Can't get enough of meeting new people, the view, cheap travel, cherry-blossom-flavored food, dinner&drinks. Painfully addicted to Japan's gochya-gochya machines. If you're the type of person to try something new vs. something you know you like, we'll get a...