Tucked into the hillside below JR Yokohama Line is a small temple surrounded by a large graveyard. During March every year many plum trees in the temple garden and around the edges of the cemetery bloom in pink, white and red, spreading their sweet, spicy scent abroad. Although the best known place to view plum blossom in Machida is Yakushiike Park, the trees there bloom late, and somehow I always go too early, and am disappointed. Shounji Temple was so lovely, even though I visited the morning after a big storm, I plan to enjoy plum blossom there every year.
- 1 min read
Plum Blossoms at Shounji Temple
One of Machida's best spots for enjoying plum blossom
By Cathy Cawood
Community writer
View across the koi pond
A white koi swims beneath floating petals
Cute statue under a white plum tree
A large plum tree blooms next to the bell tower gate
Stone lantern under white plum blossom
The fragrance of the plum blossoms is beautiful
Bell tower gate seen from across the pond
A stone turtle perches on a rock under trailing plum branches
Delicate beauty blooming from old, gnarled wood
Pink plum blossom with graves in the background
Nicely shaped plum tree behind the drink vending machine
Red plum blossom
Long stamens at the heart of a red plum blossom
Plum trees behind a tall green hedge along the road
Join the discussion
Param Pon
10 years ago
blissful!
Az-Zakwanul Faiz Bin Zakaria
10 years ago
Sakura & koi are perfect match until you mentioned the graveyard part.
I've always liked graveyards.
Anonymous
10 years ago
The sakura & koi add a serene touch to what most would consider dark/creepy about graveyards. Love these photos.
Victoria Vlisides
10 years ago
Love the koi fish photo! Can't get enough of plum blossoms.
Thanks, Victoria!
6 comments in total
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