Shojoji Temple

A Zen temple of the Myoshinji school of Rinzai Buddhism founded in 1577. It is known for the beauty of the hundreds of azalea bushes planted throughout the temple grounds, including along both sides of the approach leading to the front garden, and has long been affectionately called the “Azalea Temple.” From late April to early May, when the flowers are at their best, vivid azaleas brighten the atmospheric buildings and create a charming seasonal landscape.

The garden entered from beside the main hall (rear garden) is a stroll garden featuring a dry landscape garden, a heart-shaped pond, and a large pond, allowing visitors to walk all the way around it. Set against a backdrop of moss-covered cedar groves and bamboo forests, its quietly profound and refined scenery has a calming effect. The panoramic view of the entire garden from the gazebo is also wonderful.

Another highlight is how the temple shows a different face in every season throughout the year, with delicate cherry blossoms and rhododendrons in spring, elegant water lilies and crape myrtles in summer, vivid autumn leaves in fall, and serene snowy scenery in winter.