A short ride outside the city in Chiba prefecture, Hondo-ji (or Hondo Temple) welcomes visitors in the rainy season with its 10,000 hydrangea bushes and iris garden. Originally founded in the 13th century by Nichiren (who went on to start the Nichiren sect of Buddhism), the temple is known for its five-pagoda and its beautiful display of seasonal flowers and leaves. Sharp-eyed visitors may also spy the grave of the wife of Tokugawa Ieyasu (first Tokugawa shogun and essential unifier of Japan). Despite the gorgeous flowers, the temple is rarely crowded on weekdays. Hondo-ji is well-signed from Kita-Kogane station (a ten minute walk from door to door).
- 1 min read
Flowers at Hondo-ji
Hydrangeas and irises make a trip to Chiba worthwhile
By Mandy Bartok
Community writer
Explore nearby
Join the discussion
Sandra Isaka
7 years ago
Visited this temple for the first time recently. One of the most beautiful combinations of hydrangea and irises that I've ever seen! Even on a weekend it wasn't terribly crowded.
1 comment in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Find and book quality accommodations for your next trip to Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan-Inspired Culture & Nature Trips
Guide -
2
Miyoko Schinner’s Vegan Japan Tour
Culture -
3
At Takenaka Carpentry Tools Museum
Hyogo -
4
Discovering Cinnamoroll in Shinagawa City
Tokyo - Sponsored -
5
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan-Inspired Travel Activities
Guide -
6
Extraordinary Experiences in the Great Nature of Izu-Oshima, the Closest Island From Central Tokyo
Tokyo - Sponsored -
7
Hokuriku Shinkansen Extends to Tsuruga, Fukui
Fukui -
8
2-Day Hachijojima Retreat: Recharge Your Mind and Body
Tokyo - Sponsored -
9
Tokyo DisneySea "Fantasy Springs"
Chiba -
10
Convenient Bus Travel From Narita Airport to Tokyo Station
Transportation
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
3
Hachiko Statue in Shibuya
Tokyo -
4
Shibuya Crossing
Tokyo -
5
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
6
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
7
Guide to PASMO Cards
Guide -
8
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
9
Kirby Cafe Tokyo
Tokyo -
10
Taylor Swift Eras Tour
Tokyo