Mimuroto-ji, Buddhist temple in Uji, Japan.
Mimuroto-ji is a Buddhist temple in Uji, Japan, known for its hydrangeas and azaleas. The grounds spread across a hillside and offer paths through gardens where pink and white azaleas bloom in spring, while thousands of blue and purple hydrangeas cover the slopes in summer.
Founded during the Nara period, the grounds became an important stop on the Saigoku pilgrimage route. The current main hall was rebuilt after several fires in the 17th century and preserves scriptures and figures from the Fujiwara era.
The name refers to the word for ear, as the main hall was built in the shape of an ear and pilgrims come here to pray for healing of hearing problems. The hall preserves a thousand-armed Kannon to whom visitors come to write personal wishes on wooden plaques.
The gardens open from half past eight in the morning until half past four in the afternoon, and admission is required at the entrance. The best times to visit are late May for azaleas and mid-June to early July for hydrangeas, when the colors are strongest.
Instead of the usual lion-dogs, rabbits and serpent deities guard the grounds here, believed to bring wealth and fortune. The rabbit figure at the main entrance is often rubbed by visitors seeking to fulfill financial wishes.
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