Yamanashi

Aug 23, 2014 - 1 min read

Hokoji

Temple of flowers and romance in Koshu

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

Arched bridge over the pond

Hedges grow beside the path

The bell tower stands on one edge of the temple grounds

The garden is varied and beautiful

Temple view framed by a gate

There were more lotus seed heads than blooms in mid-August

Raindrops glisten on a pink lotus flower

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

Small charms and five yen coins woven into a decorative rope

Hydrangeas by the pond

One of two scary looking gate guardians

The temple is set in lovely Yamanashi countryside

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.

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Cathy Cawood

By Cathy Cawood

Community writer

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