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[Kawaba Village, Gunma] Zen temple Seiryuuzan Kichijoji where 100 kinds of flowers bloom in every season

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[Kawaba Village, Gunma] Zen temple Seiryuuzan Kichijoji where 100 kinds of flowers bloom in every season

Seiryuzan Kichijoji is a Zen temple built in the Nanboku-cho period in Kawaba Village, Gunma. It is known as the "Temple of Flowers" with over 100 kinds of flowers in full bloom, and you can enjoy beautiful scenery throughout the seasons. The heart-shaped "Inome Window", which was recently built, is a popular photo spot on social media.

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Gunma Prefecture

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Gunma Prefecture is located in the center of Japan, northwest of Tokyo. It is known for its hot springs, ski resorts, and abundant nature that can be enjoyed just a short distance from Tokyo. Gunma is dotted with attractive hot springs surrounded by beautiful natural scenery such as mountains, marshes, and lakes. It is therefore ideal for those who want to relax away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy outdoor activities to refresh their mind. Meanwhile, in small cities where the traditions of sericulture and crafts remain strong, you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture. It takes about an hour to get to Takasaki City, Gunma's central transportation hub from Tokyo by Shinkansen, so you can enjoy sightseeing on a day trip. However, you can also immerse yourself in the charm of Gunma by staying for several days in a wide range of accommodations.

What is Seiryuuzan Kichijoji?

Seiryuzan Kichijoji is a Zen temple founded in 1339, with its head temple Kenchoji Temple in Kamakura. It is the northernmost of the more than 400 temples with Kenchoji Temple as their head temple, and is also known as "Kenchoji North Gate." It features historical buildings, including the main hall built in 1675, and a beautiful garden with more than 100 types of flowers in full bloom. The temple grounds also contain ponds and waterfalls nurtured by the abundant waters of Kawaba Village, making it a place where you can enjoy both history and nature.

Access Information

• Location: 860 Monzen, Kawaba Village, Tone District, Gunma

• Access:

[Car] Approximately 10 minutes from Numata IC on the Kan'etsu Expressway. Parking is available for 30 regular cars and 10 large buses.

【public transport】

・Get off at "Numata Station" on the JR Joetsu Line, take the Kawabamura circular bus for about 30 minutes, get off at "Kichijoji Iriguchi", then walk for 3 minutes

Mount Seiryu Kichijoji

Mount Seiryu Kichijoji

Mount Seiryu Kichijoji

860 Monzen, Kawaba Village, Tone District, Gunma Prefecture, 378-0115
Seiryuzan Kichijoji Temple in Kawaba Village, Gunma Prefecture, was founded in 1339 during the Nanboku-cho period and is a historic temple that has been watching over Kawaba Village for a long time. It is also known as the "flower temple" because more than 100 kinds of flowers can be enjoyed throughout the year within the temple grounds.

Hotels near Mount Seiryu Kichijoji

Come enjoy the flowers that adorn the grounds!

Seiryuuzan Kichijoji is also known as a flower temple with beautiful flowers that bloom throughout the year. From spring to autumn, you can enjoy seasonal flowers along with the beautiful natural scenery of Kawaba Village.

Flowers to enjoy in spring after the snow melts (March to June)

The flowers that can be enjoyed in the slightly late spring in snowy Kawaba Village include skunk cabbage and daffodils, which are in full bloom from late March, as well as cherry blossoms. In addition, rhododendrons, the symbolic flower of Kawaba Village, begin to bloom from early April.

[Kawaba Village, Gunma] Zen temple Seiryuuzan Kichijoji where 100 kinds of flowers bloom in every season

Skunk cabbage (late March to late April)

Marshmallow (early April to mid-May), Daffodil (early April to mid-May), Cherry blossoms (April), Rhododendron (early April to early May), Pulsatilla cernua (early April to mid-May), Japanese laurel (mid-April to mid-May), Glaucidium aureum (late April to early May), Bleu heartwort (early April to mid-April), Epimedium (late April to early May), Azalea (mid-April to early May)

Primrose (early May to mid-June), coral tubers (early May to mid-June), Japanese iris (mid-May to early June), purple bush clover (mid-May to mid-June)

Hosta (early June to early August), Ardisia crenata (early June to late June), Trillium edulis (early June to late June), Saxifrage (early May to late June), Japanese ginger (mid-June), Hydrangea (late June to August), Daffodil daffodil (late June to August), Matsumoto sennou (late June to early July)

Flowers that brighten up Kawaba Village's refreshing summer (July to September)

Kawaba Village has a relatively cool and comfortable climate even in midsummer, with an average annual temperature of 11.0℃. Flowers that add color to the summer in Kawaba Village include hydrangeas and mountain lilies that can be enjoyed until August. Even if you miss the usual flower season, you can still enjoy them during your summer vacation. Also, be sure to check out the lotus flowers that adorn the waterside.

[Kawaba Village, Gunma] Zen temple Seiryuuzan Kichijoji where 100 kinds of flowers bloom in every season

Lotus (early July to mid-September), Japanese lily (early July to mid-September), mountain lily (early July to early August), day lily (mid-July to late July), day lily (mid-July to late July)

Minazuki (early August to late August), Lythrum salicaria (early August to late August), Rengeshouma (early August to late August), Lesser cuckoo (late August to mid-November)

Flowers to enjoy along with the beautiful autumn leaves in the temple grounds (October to November)

From late October, the temple grounds are colored with autumn leaves. Although there are fewer varieties than in spring and summer, you can still enjoy red spider lilies and anemones.

[Kawaba Village, Gunma] Zen temple Seiryuuzan Kichijoji where 100 kinds of flowers bloom in every season

Red spider lilies (early September to late September), monkshood (mid-September to late October), anemone (late September to mid-November)

Kichijousou (early October to late October), Azalea (mid-October to late October)

Kichijoji in winter (December to February) - the quiet temple stands out even more

You won't be able to see flowers in winter, but you can enjoy the snowy scenery of Kichijoji, which you can't experience in any other season. The cold, clear air makes the quiet temple stand out even more, giving it a dignified appearance. Also, this is the only time of year where you can see the "yukitsuri" (snow hanging) scenery, where tree branches are hung with ropes to prevent them from breaking under the weight of the snow. You can enjoy the scenery of Kawaba Village covered in deep snow.

[Kawaba Village, Gunma] Zen temple Seiryuuzan Kichijoji where 100 kinds of flowers bloom in every season

Enjoy some matcha tea in the main hall! Don't miss the heart-shaped inome window!

Inside the main hall, there is a "Matcha-dokoro" where you can enjoy matcha tea while looking at the garden and waterfall. All the seats are chairs, so even children who have never tried tea ceremony can participate.

[Kawaba Village, Gunma] Zen temple Seiryuuzan Kichijoji where 100 kinds of flowers bloom in every season

The window in the tea ceremony room is heart-shaped, making it a popular photo spot. This window is called an "inome window" and is a technique that has been used in temple construction since ancient times. Incidentally, "inome" is a word that means a heart shape. It is imbued with the wish to "ward off misfortune and bring in good fortune." In 2021, "Seiryuzan Kichijoji" has also been selected as a sacred place for lovers.

[Kawaba Village, Gunma] Zen temple Seiryuuzan Kichijoji where 100 kinds of flowers bloom in every season

The historic "Mt. Seiryu Kichijoji" has been around since the Nanboku-cho period. In addition to history and culture, why not enjoy a flower stroll in the nature-rich Kawaba Village at the foot of Mt. Hotaka?

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Gunma Prefecture

Written by

Gunma Prefecture

Gunma

Gunma Prefecture is located in the center of Japan, northwest of Tokyo. It is known for its hot springs, ski resorts, and abundant nature that can be enjoyed just a short distance from Tokyo. Gunma is dotted with attractive hot springs surrounded by beautiful natural scenery such as mountains, marshes, and lakes. It is therefore ideal for those who want to relax away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and enjoy outdoor activities to refresh their mind. Meanwhile, in small cities where the traditions of sericulture and crafts remain strong, you can immerse yourself in Japanese culture. It takes about an hour to get to Takasaki City, Gunma's central transportation hub from Tokyo by Shinkansen, so you can enjoy sightseeing on a day trip. However, you can also immerse yourself in the charm of Gunma by staying for several days in a wide range of accommodations.

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