Yamanashi

Hokoji

Temple of flowers and romance in Koshu

Cathy Cawood Aug 23, 2014 - 1 min read

<p>The bell tower stands on one edge of the temple grounds</p>

<p>The garden is varied and beautiful</p>

<p>There were more lotus seed heads than blooms in mid-August</p>

<p>Raindrops glisten on a pink lotus flower</p>

<p>The writing says 'enmusubi', which means connected destiny (in a romantic sense)</p>

<p>Small charms and five yen coins woven into a decorative rope</p>

<p>One of two scary looking gate guardians</p>

<p>The temple is set in lovely Yamanashi countryside</p>

Hokoji is on a temple trail starting from Enzan JR Station in Koshu city and also including Erinji and Kogakuji. This very pleasant temple is sometimes called 'The temple of flowers' and is famous for seasonal flowers including camellias, plum and cherry blossom, peonies and hydrangeas. It is also known as a good place to pray for romance. I visited in August and found many potted lotus flowers, both pink and white. There were also a few hydrangeas still in bloom.

Cathy Cawood @cathy.cawood

I came to Japan in 2003 to teach English. I lived in Shiga prefecture for 1 year, and it still holds a special place in my heart. I lived in Kyoto for 9 years, then moved to Machida, Tokyo in 2014 after meeting my Japanese partner. I love to take photos, and my Japan in Pictures Facebook page ha...