Friday, March 30, 2007

Cherry Blossoms at Kuonji Temple, Yamanashi pref.

Long time!
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Kuonji Temple is famous for weeping cherry blossoms.


After going up 287 steep stone stairs, you will be greeted by beautiful weeping cherry blossoms planted in the precincts.




Near Kuonji Temple, there are several temple lodgings (shukubo in Japanese). Each of them also has beautiful cherry trees. You can take a rest there with a hospitality of a cup of hot cherry water.



Kuonji Temple was founded by Nichiren in Kamakura era. His mausoleum was 20-minute walk from the temple. It entrance was decorated by cherry trees.




The nearest JR station is Minobu. The steet in fornt of ths station is called Shonin Street, derived from Nichiren Shonin. At both sides of the street, there were stores, each drawing its own family crest on the wall.