Much-talked-about spot! A Pure White World!! “Senbon Torii” at Saidoji Temple
This service includes sponsored advertisements.
The white "Senbon Torii" can be seen at "Saido-ji Temple" in Hoso, Niimi City, which is famous as a temple where hydrangeas bloom, and it has become a hot spot. When I visited on June 24th last year, the hydrangeas were in full bloom, and the pure white torii gate and blue hydrangeas were shining ag...
Written by
Okayama Prefecture is located in the Chuo of Western Japan, and is known as the "Land of Sunshine" due to its warm climate and little rain throughout the year. It is conveniently located halfway between famous tourist spots such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, and is also the gateway to Shikoku via the Great Seto Bridge. Okayama is also known as the "Fruit Kingdom," and the fruits that grow in the warm climate of the Seto Inland Sea and sunshine are of the highest quality in terms of sweetness, aroma, and flavor. You can enjoy seasonal fruits such as white peaches, Muscat grapes, and Pione grapes! Okayama is also home to world-famous tourist spots such as Okayama Castle, Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's three most famous gardens, and Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, which are renowned for their history, culture, and art!
Saidoji Temple of "Senbon Torii"
Saidoji Temple, which is famous for its hydrangea blooms, has become a popular spot with its pure white "Senbon Torii". Saidoji Temple, which is said to have been built by Kukai (Kobo Daishi), has a torii gate named after Hakuryu, who is said to have traveled to Japan with Kukai from the Tang dynasty during the Heian period and brought the pottery manufacturing technology that underpins Hoso ware. is now white. It is said that the previous head priest used his personal fortune to create the "Senbon Torii" in the hope that many people would come to know about Hakuryu and visit it. Unfortunately, "Senbon Torii" was completed in May 2021, but the previous chief priest passed away in March without seeing the completion. Currently, it has become a popular spot that many people visit, and the wife has inherited the thoughts of the previous chief priest. Click here for details
Peaches in a white torii!!
If you look closely at the white torii gate, you will see that it is a peach! The top of the torii is carved with a peach tree, based on the legend that Hakuryu brought a peach tree to the temple from Tang Dynasty.
A dazzling reflex version effect!!
It's like a pure white tunnel that makes you feel like you're being sucked into it, and it's a dazzling reflector effect.
Hydrangea was in full bloom
A lot of blue hydrangeas were blooming on the mountain side of the white torii, and it was shining against the white torii. A lot of warblers with very beautiful voices were singing, and while walking, I was healed by the singing voices of hydrangeas and warblers. I heard that the irises were beautiful in mid-June.
blue mountain hydrangea
Many blue hydrangeas are blooming in the mountains. There was a sign saying "Watch out for viper", so I took a picture without entering the grass. It is said that there are about 11,000 hydrangeas, but 30 years ago, 1,100 of them were planted over 10 years. The hydrangeas are vibrant and beautiful with nutrients from the mountains, but the wife picks the flowers by herself, starting in August and lasting until November. It seems that the care to make it bloom beautifully is a hard work.
78 “Senbon Torii”
There are 78 torii gates. When I asked, "Why are there 1,000 torii gates?", I was told that 1,000 means that there are many. I see. By the way, brightly colored clothes look great against the pure white torii.
Hakuryuden
I visited Hakuryuden in front of Hakuryu's grave and bought an omikuji.
Koyasu Kannon
The peach tree, which Hakuryu is said to have brought from Tang Dynasty, is said to have produced two fruits from one flower. It is said that it can be seen occasionally in plums, but it seems that it is rare in peach nationwide. When the tree became old and divided, the new tree also produced two fruits from one flower. For this reason, it is said to be called "husband and wife peach" and is worshiped as a god of fertility. It is enshrined right next to Hakuryuden.
main hall
Prayers are also held in the main hall. Seven wonders related to Kukai (Kobo Daishi) are written on the back of the stone pagoda on the grounds of the main hall. Look around and try to find each one.
Shuon Pagoda of stone art
A stone pagoda that is an important cultural property of Niimi City. The lower part is the Shuonto, and it is said that the era engraved on the foundation is very rare.
Hydrangea macrophylla was also blooming.
A lot of blue hydrangeas were blooming, and pink hydrangeas were also blooming.
Deva Gate
In the spring, the weeping cherry blossoms bloom at the Niomon Gate, which is located in front of the "Senbon Torii", and it is said that there is an atmosphere on the night of the full moon.
Red temple and torii shine
The temple and torii gate built in the pond of water lilies were shining with fresh greenery.
water lilies
Yellow water lilies were blooming in the pond.
Blue hydrangeas are blooming along the road
Along the way to the parking lot, beautiful blue hydrangeas and hydrangeas are blooming. On the mountain road from National Route 180 to Saidoji Temple, there were roads where only one car could pass, so please be careful of cars passing each other.
Okayama Prefecture is located in the Chuo of Western Japan, and is known as the "Land of Sunshine" due to its warm climate and little rain throughout the year. It is conveniently located halfway between famous tourist spots such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima, and is also the gateway to Shikoku via the Great Seto Bridge. Okayama is also known as the "Fruit Kingdom," and the fruits that grow in the warm climate of the Seto Inland Sea and sunshine are of the highest quality in terms of sweetness, aroma, and flavor. You can enjoy seasonal fruits such as white peaches, Muscat grapes, and Pione grapes! Okayama is also home to world-famous tourist spots such as Okayama Castle, Okayama Korakuen Garden, one of Japan's three most famous gardens, and Kurashiki Bikan Historical Quarter, which are renowned for their history, culture, and art!
The contents on this page may partially contain automatic translation.
Special Features
More
