Tucked into the hillside below JR Yokohama Line is a small temple surrounded by a large graveyard. During March every year many plum trees in the temple garden and around the edges of the cemetery bloom in pink, white and red, spreading their sweet, spicy scent abroad. Although the best known place to view plum blossom in Machida is Yakushiike Park, the trees there bloom late, and somehow I always go too early, and am disappointed. Shounji Temple was so lovely, even though I visited the morning after a big storm, I plan to enjoy plum blossom there every year.
- 1 min read
Plum Blossoms at Shounji Temple
One of Machida's best spots for enjoying plum blossom

By Cathy Cawood
Community writer

View across the koi pond

A white koi swims beneath floating petals

Cute statue under a white plum tree

A large plum tree blooms next to the bell tower gate

Stone lantern under white plum blossom

The fragrance of the plum blossoms is beautiful

Bell tower gate seen from across the pond

A stone turtle perches on a rock under trailing plum branches


Delicate beauty blooming from old, gnarled wood

Pink plum blossom with graves in the background

Nicely shaped plum tree behind the drink vending machine

Red plum blossom

Long stamens at the heart of a red plum blossom

Plum trees behind a tall green hedge along the road
Join the discussion
Param Pon
9 years ago
blissful!
Az-Zakwanul Faiz Bin Zakaria
9 years ago
Sakura & koi are perfect match until you mentioned the graveyard part.
I've always liked graveyards.

Anonymous
9 years ago
The sakura & koi add a serene touch to what most would consider dark/creepy about graveyards. Love these photos.
Victoria Vlisides
9 years ago
Love the koi fish photo! Can't get enough of plum blossoms.
Thanks, Victoria!
6 comments in total
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