[Kamishijo, Shiojiri City] What is the charm of Jokoji Temple?

A complete guide to the "Rhododendron Temple," where 2,000 rhododendrons bloom in glory

Jokoji Temple in Kamishijo, Shiojiri City, is a popular Shingon Buddhist temple known as the "Rhododendron Temple" where 2,000 rhododendrons bloom in glory.

It is a healing spot where you can enjoy flowers and history.

What is Jokoji Temple?

Jokoji Temple, located in Kamishijo, Shiojiri City, is a Shingon Buddhist temple with Dainichi Nyorai as its principal image. It is an old temple with a calm atmosphere nestled in a quiet residential area, and it has long been cherished by the local people.

Although the date of its founding is unknown, it is said to have been revived in 1382 (the 2nd year of Eitoku in the Muromachi period) by Priest Ekaku, who invited Iizuna Daigongen to the temple. Iizuna Daigongen was the center of faith for those praying for the prosperity of sericulture and the fulfillment of various wishes, and it is said that in the past, hundreds of thousands of people from both inside and outside the prefecture visited to pray.

The temple grounds are beautiful with the nature of the four seasons, showing different expressions each time you visit, from spring flowers and summer greenery to autumn leaves and winter silence.

History of Jokoji Temple

Jokoji Temple is a historic temple that was revived by Priest Ekaku in the Muromachi period and received the dharma lineage from Mount Koya.

During the Edo period, many of the temple buildings were lost in a forest fire in 1812 (the 2nd year of Bunsei), but the Gongendo main hall, built in 1701 (the 13th year of Genroku), miraculously survived. Later, the main hall was rebuilt in 1832 (the 3rd year of Tempo), and the Goma-do (currently the Yakushi-do) was also rebuilt in 1878 (the 11th year of Meiji).

The main hall enshrines many Buddhist statues, centered on the principal image of Dainichi Nyorai, including Fudo Myoo, Sho Kannon, and the "Tang Cat" that appears in Shiojiri legends. The Yakushi-do houses Yakushi Nyorai, the Twelve Heavenly Generals, Daikokuten, and the Ten Kings, and is also used as a place for sutra copying.

It is also known as the 18th temple of the Shinshu Chikuma 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, and many worshippers still visit today.

The Rhododendron Garden on the back mountain | The "Rhododendron Temple" where 2,000 flowers bloom

The greatest charm of Jokoji Temple is the
rhododendron garden that spreads out on the back mountain.

About 50 years ago, Chief Priest Sensho Kamijo began increasing the number of plants little by little, and now
over 2,000 rhododendrons bloom in shades of pink. After they bloom, the parishioners carefully manage them, and in recent years, it has been cherished as a "Flower Temple" or "Rhododendron Temple."

You can reach the back mountain from the back of the sutra copying hall, and a walking path of about 500m has been maintained. Since there are continuous slopes, comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Stone Buddhas are enshrined at the summit, and a space spreads out where you will want to quietly put your hands together in prayer. Along the way, the remains of the siding for the Higashi-Shiojiri signal station remain, making it an interesting spot for history buffs as well.

Seasonal Flowers | A "Flower Temple" that is not just about rhododendrons

Jokoji Temple is a temple where you can enjoy a variety of flowers every season, not just rhododendrons.

● Late June: Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas transplanted around 1975 color the approach,
refreshingly welcoming visitors.

● Cypripedium japonicum (Flower bed south of the main hall)

The sight of them blooming densely in a flower bed of about 1.5 tsubo is spectacular.
They are characterized by their pouch-shaped flowers.

● A relay of wild grasses

• Calanthe discolor

• Heuchera

• Cypripedium japonicum

• Japanese primrose (marsh in front of the Jizo statue)

Even after the rhododendrons, flowers bloom one after another,
offering new discoveries every time you visit.

● Iris (Back garden of the main hall)

Blooming dignifiedly in the quiet garden, they soothe the heart.

● Peony (North side of the parking lot)

In June, colorful peonies bloom,
and you can enjoy everything from deep crimson double-flowered varieties to single-flowered ones.

● Forget-me-not (South side of the main hall)

With the flower language of "do not forget me,"
these lovely blue flowers color the temple grounds.

Access, Parking, and
Nearby Spots

Jokoji Temple (Kamisaijo, Shiojiri CityKamisaijo) has excellent access,
being just a few minutes by car from Shiojiri Station.

If you follow the road next to the temple gate to the end,
there is parking space for several cars,
but please note that it is not very spacious.

In the surrounding area,

• Narai-juku

• Hiraide Ruins Park, and other historical spots unique to Shiojiri City
  are scattered about.
  

Also, since there are two "Jokoji" temples in Shiojiri City,
it is best to confirm that it is the Jokoji in "Kaminishijo"
when you visit to be safe.

Summary

Jokoji Temple in Kaminishijo, Shiojiri City,
is a historic Shingon Buddhist temple,
and is cherished as a "Flower Temple" with its 2,000 rhododendron garden spreading across the hill behind it,
along with a variety of flowers that bloom each season.

From the history of faith continuing since the Muromachi period,
to the well-maintained walking paths and the serene garden,
there is no end to the sights to see.

With spring rhododendrons, early summer hydrangeas, wild flowers,
and autumn leaves, Jokoji Temple shows a completely different
expression depending on the season you visit.

This place, where nature and history harmonize,
is truly an ideal healing spot
for those who want to slowly clear their minds.

Personal Impressions

Thank you for reading
until the end.

The punchline is that I visited
in December,
so nothing was in bloom.

Here is the Kindle book
that compiles such failure stories.
👇

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