SEE: 10,000 Hydrangeas at 本土寺 Hondoji "Ajisa-dera" Temple in Matsudo!
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"Even in summer's tedium, my heart is moved;
The moon mirrored in the dewdrops on four hydrangea petals."
~ Fujiwara no Shunzei (1114-1204 )
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Do you love seeing Ajisai, (Hydrangeas) purple, white & gold Ayame & Shobu (Irises), plus many wonderful antique temples, shrines & elegant monuments in a beautiful, natural setting?
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You don't need to visit Kamakura to enjoy the most remarkable flowers to bloom at this time of year. In fact, I would rate Hondo-ji Temple as nicer in many ways than tourist-choked Hasedera in Kamakura!
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"One of the best hydrangea gardens anywhere is hidden in a small town near Matsudo City in Chiba Prefecture. Within walking distance from JR Kita-kogane station (JR 北小金駅), Hondoji Temple (本土寺) come to life on June each year with its superb view of hydrangea forest, a suitably mysterious moss garden & a five-tier pagoda, that is said to house one of only a few pieces of Buddha's bone in Japan!"
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"I can't vouch for the bone, but I certainly enjoy the flowers & smaller shrines in the complex. The complex has other places of interest, including a Jizō shrine, an Inari shrine & a Benzaiten temple, but its crowning glory is still the hydrangea forest & the iris pond. In June, they cover almost all the precincts of the temple, creating a really awesome sight." ~ Trip Advisor
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We'll visit the beautiful, highly photogenic temple and gardens, and possibly several ancient Shinto shrines in a lovely forested area which preserves the remains of Kogane castle, all part of this wonderful historic area of Chiba!
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We'll also tell you of the legend of Kichibojin, an ancient demon-queen whose heart was transformed, and she became the Goddess who protects children! (This Goddess is honored at every Nichiren-sect temple)
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http://calvin-myjourney.blogspot.com/2013/07/hydrangea-of-hondoji-temple.html
https://www.matsudo-kankou.jp/oyaguchirekishikouen/
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Also known as "Ajisai-dera" this historic temple has many charms, including a wonderful iris garden, a superb 5 story pagoda, many magnificent temple buildings, monuments, statues, stones & ponds which would make any photographer or genuine Japanese culture or art lover swoon!
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Admission to temple and gardens is￥500. Less for disabled or over 65.
(This ticket cost is included in your Meetup Fee!)
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A comfortable walk along the sacred road leading from the station brings us past many wonderful shops selling an amazing variety of traditional sweets, pickles, crackers, rare & unique flowers, plus handcrafted items of many different kinds.
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There's a nice, open, inexpensive soba shop along the sacred temple road where we enjoyed a delicious lunch on past visits, so perfect for a Meetup lunch, or you may bring your own bento lunch & eat in a nearby park! (Yes, there is a convenience store by the station)
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It's an easy ride from central Tokyo or anyplace on the Chiyoda or Joban Lines. Just 30 minutes on the Joban Line from JR Ueno station & 50 minutes from Kasumigaseki by Metro Chiyoda Line, these trains all go directly to Kita-Kogane station where we'll meet!
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(People coming from Chiba can travel by any train or bus going to Matsudo Station & there, easily transfer!)
It's a wonderful place to experience, so why don't we all go?
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👉🏻 Being late, or a "no-show" hurts your fellow members & organizers, so please be considerate.
We work hard to create nice Meetups, so your contribution of ￥2000 or more is appreciated!
👉🏻 Walking shoes (no high heels, please) a hat, umbrella & insect repellent are sometimes very helpful!
Your comments & suggestions for meetups are always welcome!
Thanks!
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Your organizer, Kerry D. 👦🏻
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