People often visit temples for the historical, cultural, or spiritual aspects, but some of them have other compelling reasons to stop by! The temples below are heralded for their floral beauty at certain times of the year - be sure to visit if you get the chance to!
Hannya-ji, Nara
Known as the Cosmos Temple
Best time to visit: early October to mid-November
Nara's Hannya-ji Temple has a long history, with records placing the temple's foundation somewhere around the 8th Century. Parts of the temple and its treasures have been designated as National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties, too - there's plenty here to appreciate for the history buffs. Nature lovers don't miss out either, and there are a range of flowers on the grounds to enjoy throughout the year. The most famous are the pink autumn cosmos, which number around 150,000 - it's clear why they call Hannya-ji the cosmos temple!
221 Hannyajicho, Nara, 630-8102
Shiofune Kannon-ji, Tokyo
Known as the Azalea Temple
Best time to visit: mid-April through to early-May
Located in Ome on the outskirts of Tokyo Prefecture, Shiofune Kannon is a jaw-dropping delight during spring. The temple grounds are filled with thousands of perfectly-shaped azalea bushes in various colors, which end up creating a scene that looks like something out of a fairytale. Typically the temple grounds are free to enter, but during azalea season there is a small admission fee of 300 yen. It's worth it, without a doubt.
194 Shiobune, Ome, Tokyo 198-0011
Meigetsu-in, Kamakura
Known as the Hydrangea Temple
Best time to visit: June
Kamakura in Kanagawa Prefecture has a long list of places worth visiting, and the most well-known is likely the Great Buddha at Kōtoku-in. There are plenty of other fascinating temples in the area, and one of the best during the rainy season is Meigetsu-in. The grounds of the temple are home to thousands of hydrangeas, making for an incredibly photogenic scene.
189, Yamanouchi, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture, 247-0062
