The Mamenbara Plateau and Hydrangeas
A Historic Mountain Setting
The area now known as Mamenbara was historically called Amehara. The region has a connection with Nichiren dating back to the Kamakura period.
Because Mamenbara is located deep in the mountains, religious institutions in the area experienced periods of prosperity and decline over the centuries. The temple itself was eventually abandoned during the Meiji period, but efforts to revive it began in the postwar era.
A Sea of Hydrangeas
The hydrangeas of Myōhōshōji began to be planted in 1951. Their number was associated with the number of characters traditionally counted in the title of the Lotus Sutra, Hokekyō.
The garden is considered one of the oldest large-scale hydrangea gardens in Japan. Every year during the rainy season, the flowers reach full bloom, covering the mountain slopes and temple grounds with shades of blue, purple, and other colors.
The combination of the flowers, mountain scenery, and quiet temple atmosphere makes this a particularly attractive destination for visitors looking for Japan’s seasonal natural beauty.
Highlights of the Worship Hall
Open to Visitors
The temple’s private Buddhist image hall, or Jibutsudō, can be freely entered after removing your shoes. Inside, visitors can see several distinctive religious and artistic features.
- A statue of Nichiren
- A unique statue of Kitishimojin wearing glasses
- A statue of the Three-Faced Daikokuten
- A statue of Shakyamuni Buddha that visitors are allowed to high-five
The hall also displays a selected work entitled “Oborozuki,” or “Hazy Moon,” by artist Hibiki Ishikawa, as well as calligraphy by the renowned calligrapher Kangetsu Hirayama.
The “Tree of Hope”
Inside the hall is also a small “Tree of Hope”, where visitors can hang written wishes. It is a simple but popular feature that gives visitors a chance to express their hopes while visiting the temple.
The Soundscape of Mamenbara
The Chorus of Himeharu Cicadas
Mamenbara is also known for the himeharu cicada, a species whose distinctive chorus is one of the characteristic sounds of the area.
The sound of these cicadas has been selected as one of Japan’s “100 Soundscapes of Japan”, a list created by Japan’s Ministry of the Environment to highlight memorable sounds associated with local environments and culture.
During the hydrangea season, visitors can enjoy the unusual combination of colorful flowers and the rhythmic chorus of cicadas echoing through the mountain landscape. This natural soundscape adds another dimension to the experience of visiting Myōhōshōji.
The Revival of Myōhōshōji Temple
Rebuilding the Temple
Myōhōshōji was revived through the efforts of Priest Honjōin Nichiju (1900–1984). He resolved to restore the temple in 1931, and reconstruction efforts began in earnest in 1949.
Through these efforts, the historic temple was restored and gradually became known throughout Japan as the “Hydrangea Temple.”
Hōan-den and Asahi Nichiren Daibosatsu
The temple’s Hōan-den enshrines a standing statue known as Asahi Nichiren Daibosatsu.
According to tradition, Nichiren once faced the rising sun and chanted “Namu Myōhō Renge Kyō.” This story has been passed down as an important part of the temple’s religious tradition and its connection with the morning sun.
Buddhist Experiences and Cultural Activities
Buddhist Retreats
Myōhōshōji also offers opportunities for Buddhist experience retreats. These programs provide participants with a chance to step away from their everyday routines and spend time quietly learning about Buddhist teachings and practices.
For visitors interested in Japanese Buddhism, such experiences can offer a deeper understanding of the religious traditions that have shaped the temple and the surrounding community.
Mamenbara Calligraphy Museum
The area is also home to the Mamenbara Calligraphy Museum, which commemorates the calligraphers Kangetsu Hirayama and Suigetsu Hirayama.
The museum provides opportunities to learn about Japanese calligraphy and experience another aspect of the cultural traditions associated with the Mamenbara area.
Access
Location
1749 Tsutsumori, Ōtaki Town, Isumi District, Chiba Prefecture
Mamenbara Plateau
Because Myōhōshōji is located in a mountainous area, visitors should check transportation and road conditions before traveling, particularly during the hydrangea season when the area can become busy.
Visit Myōhōshōji During Hydrangea Season
Myōhōshōji Temple is a unique destination where Nichiren Buddhist traditions and the natural beauty of the Mamenbara Plateau come together.
The approximately 200,000 hydrangea flowers create a spectacular seasonal landscape, while the historic temple, Buddhist statues, calligraphy, and traditions connected with Nichiren offer opportunities to discover Japanese religious and cultural heritage.
The chorus of himeharu cicadas provides a memorable natural soundscape during the summer season, adding to the peaceful atmosphere of the mountain setting.
For travelers exploring Chiba Prefecture, particularly those interested in temples, Japanese Buddhism, seasonal flowers, mountain scenery, and traditional culture, Myōhōshōji is a rewarding place to visit. The best-known hydrangea scenery can be enjoyed during the rainy season, when the temple grounds are at their most colorful.