Head to Fumonji Temple, a flower-themed mountain temple. Also available: a hydrangea-themed water basin and a limited-time hydrangea goshuin stamp!

There are plenty of events and attractions, such as flower water basins, special temple seals, and food stalls. Why not head to Fumonji Temple to see the hydrangeas, which can be enjoyed until early July?

• Table of contents
• What is Hana no Yamadera "Fumonji"?
• Fumonji Blue
• Aka and fresh green autumn leaves
• Main hall and hydrangea art
• A refreshing display of hydrangeas
• Soothing flower water basin
• Heart-shaped flower water basin
• "Fumonji Blue" flower water basin
• Limited-time hydrangea goshuin stamp
• Hydrangea-patterned goshuin stamp book
• Hydrangea amulet
• Hydrangea Stairs
• The best time to see "Nanairo Komichi" is now!
• Hana no Yamadera Hydrangea Festival
• I'll have Lu Rou Fan!
• Access and Parking
• Conclusion

What is Hana no Yamadera "Fumonji"?

Fumonji Temple in Maniwa City , Okayama Prefecture , is a historic temple founded by Kukai (Kobo Daishi) in 816. Known as the "Mountain Temple of Flowers," you can enjoy seasonal flowers such as cherry blossoms, day sedges, and azaleas. At this time of year, 3,000 hydrangeas of about 30 different varieties are in full bloom.

As we walked up the stairs to the temple grounds, we were greeted by blue hydrangeas arranged in bamboo.

Fumonji Blue

These vibrant blue hydrangeas are called "Fumonji Blue" and are said to be this color because the soil is nearly acidic.

Aka and fresh green autumn leaves

Go up the stairs and turn left to find the Niomon Gate. On the path leading to the gate, you can see the red leaves of autumn, creating a beautiful contrast with the fresh greenery.

Main hall and hydrangea art

I entered through the Niomon Gate and prayed at the main hall. I was captivated by the hydrangea design by illustrator wakico. The historic temple and modern design are in perfect harmony.

A refreshing display of hydrangeas

Real hydrangeas floating in glass pots. Vivid blue, clear water. And the trees in the temple grounds reflected in the mirror. It was the first time I had ever seen such a wonderful display.

Soothing flower water basin

Soothing flower water basins. There were three of them! This is the flower water basin in front of the Mizuko Jizo. The pale blue hydrangeas give off a gentle feeling.

Heart-shaped flower water basin

A heart-shaped floral water basin with a gradient. If you look closely, you'll see a snail.

"Fumonji Blue" flower water basin

This is a flower water basin in a circular basin. The light reflecting off the water is so beautiful! Ceramic beads that go perfectly with the "Fumonji blue" are also floating in the water, making for a truly enjoyable flower water basin unique to Fumonji. Each flower water basin is sure to purify the soul.

Limited-time hydrangea goshuin stamp

Limited time only! There were two types of special hydrangea goshuin stamps. I also got one of those.

Hydrangea-patterned goshuin stamp book

The hydrangea-patterned goshuincho is unique to Fumonji Temple! The illustrations are by wakico., the same artist who created the art in the main hall. Each goshuincho has a different cover design, making it a cute goshuincho.

Hydrangea amulet

There were lots of cute charms! This is one of them, "Azusai (Flower Knot)." There were also charms made with embroidery on organza fabric, and stylish charms made with upcycled leather and embroidery.

Hydrangea Stairs

Across the street from Fumonji Temple, there are stairs leading to the hydrangea garden and the "Nanairo Komichi" (Seven-Colored Path). The hydrangeas that have just begun to bloom are coloring the sides of the stairs.

The best time to see "Nanairo Komichi" is now!

"Nanairo Komichi" is located halfway up the stairs. When I visited, the hydrangeas were just beginning to bloom, but I heard that the "Fumonji Blue" hydrangeas will bloom first around Fumonji Temple, followed by other colors of hydrangeas. Soon, the hydrangeas will be in full bloom in all their glory.

Hana no Yamadera Hydrangea Festival

The Hydrangea Festival is currently being held. The temple was bustling with many people, including families with children and those with pets. There were plenty of fascinating events, including food stalls, yukata rentals, and visits by calligraphers and other artists! You can even have your yukata put on.

[Hananoyamadera Hydrangea Festival]

Event period: Saturday, June 8th to Sunday, June 23rd, 2024

Event hours: 10:00-15:00

Location: Around Fumonji Temple

Learn more

Fumonji Temple

719-3132 2127 Taharasanjo, Maniwa City, Okayama Prefecture

Known as the ``Flower Mountain Temple,'' you can enjoy flowers throughout the year, such as rhododendrons in spring, hydrangeas in early summer, succulents in summer, and buckwheat in autumn. In particular, there are four seasonal cherry blossoms that bloom twice in spring and autumn, and in autumn you can enjoy the contrast between the red of the maples and the pink of the four seasonal cherry blossoms.

At the Hydrangea Festival, various shops will be setting up stalls on a daily basis. Please check the official social media accounts of Fumonji Temple for the dates of the stalls.

Flower Mountain Temple Fumonji | Instagram

I'll have Lu Rou Fan!

After looking around the beautiful temple grounds and the hydrangeas, I got hungry so I ordered Lu Rou Fan. Apparently the rice used in Lu Rou Fan is "Princess Sally", a fragrant rice from Maniwa. It's similar to braised pork, but it has a spicier flavor. It's so delicious I couldn't stop eating it. The large bamboo shoots were well-seasoned, and the plump seasoned egg made the rice even more delicious.

Access and Parking

Are you worried about finding a place to park your car when you go out by car? Don't worry. They have a large parking lot. When I visited, it was full, but a member of the Tamura Revitalization Association showed me another spot and I was able to park right away.

[Flower Mountain Temple Fumonji Temple]

Address: 2127 Tahara , Maniwa City

TEL: 0867-52-0739

Access (car): Approximately 15 minutes from Ochiai IC on the Chugoku Expressway

Public transport: Approximately 15 minutes by taxi from JR Mimasaka Ochiai Station

Parking: Available

Conclusion

What did you think? This year, the hydrangeas are blooming later than usual, so they will be in full bloom from now on. Please come and visit Fumonji Temple!