Myōhōshō-ji, Buddhist temple in Otaki, Japan
Myōhōshō-ji is a Buddhist temple situated in the hills of southern Chiba Prefecture, nestled within the natural landscape of the Bōsō Hill Range. The grounds feature multiple structures arranged across different elevations, integrated into the forested terrain.
The temple declined and fell into disrepair by 1904, but restoration began in 1931 through the dedicated efforts of the Nichiren Buddhist community. These reconstruction works ensured its survival and revitalization.
The temple maintains active connections to Nichiren Buddhism, with its name rooted in the Lotus Sutra, a central Buddhist scripture. This spiritual orientation shapes how the space is used and respected by those who visit and practice here.
The temple sits in a quiet, wooded setting that requires some travel time to reach from nearby transit. The approach from the closest bus stop involves a walk through natural surroundings.
The grounds contain approximately 20,000 hydrangea plants that bloom in August, earning the temple its reputation as an ajisai-dera or hydrangea temple. This abundance of blooming flowers draws many visitors during this season.
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