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Tanshu Kannonji Temple (Hana kannonji Temple)

Known as Ajisai-dera (Bigleaf Hydrangea Temple), it is the first temple of the Kansai Hana no Tera (the temples famous for flowers in Kansai Region)

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It is said that in the 4th year of Nara Yoro Period (720), Hodo Sennin, who visited the area, carved a statue of the Kannon (Goddess of Mercy) measuring over eight feet and enshrined it in a hermitage.
Later, in the mid-Heian period (961), priest Kuya Shonin, known for his Odori Nembutsu (Buddhist dancing and reciting nenbutsu), built the seven major structures.
The temple flourished as the center of Kannon worship in the Tamba region. The temple reached its peak during the Kamakura period (1185-1333), and developed into a temple with more than 25 temples under the patronage of the shoguns Hojo Tokiyori and Sadatoki.

The temple planted the hydrangea trees in accordance with the wish to offer mando-mange (lanterns and flowers) at the time of the Gokaicho (unveiling of the statue of the eleven-faced, thousand-armed, thousand-eyed Kannon), which is the principal image of the hidden Buddha.
The hydrangeas grew well in the local climate, and in season, 10,000 hydrangeas of about 100 varieties are in full bloom. The scenery of the precincts decorated with hydrangeas in a variety of colors, from pretty whites and blues to gorgeous purples and pinks, is wonderful and reminds one of a "flowery pure land".

Highlights

  • From June to July each year, the grounds are decorated with 10,000 hydrangeas of about 100 varieties.
  • The view of the temple grounds decorated with hydrangeas is a wonderful sight reminiscent of the "Flowery Pure Land".
  • Visitors can enjoy a variety of flowers and plants throughout the year, including autumn leaves in fall and Japanese allspice in early spring.

Photos

  • 10,000 hydrangeas of 100 varieties adorn the precincts of the temple.

    10,000 hydrangeas of 100 varieties adorn the precincts of the temple.

  • Crowded with visitors during the hydrangea season.

    Crowded with visitors during the hydrangea season.

  • The "Hana-chozu (a water basin to purify hands and mouth)", with floating hydrangea, is also a must-see.

    The "Hana-chozu (a water basin to purify hands and mouth)", with floating hydrangea, is also a must-see.

Reviews

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  • 薛玉美

    這有關西最古老的繡球花寺哦 ~有超美玻璃鏡打卡位有繡球花團花手水~繡球花小徑~

Details

Name in Japanese
丹州観音寺(華観音寺)
Postal Code
620-0803
Address
1067 Kannonji, Fukuchiyama City, Kyoto
Telephone
0773-27-1618
Closed
Open every day
Hours
9:00am-4:00pm
Admission
Free of charge
*400 yen only during hydrangea season
Directions
Approx. 15 min. walk from Isa Station on the JR Sanin Honsen Line
Credit Cards
Not accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)