Apr 2021 -
The peony flowers here are the most beautiful ones I have ever seen, so elegant under the paper umbrellas. Besides the main garden "Jodo Teien" in Okuin, be sure to check out the small garden "Koguen" in the neighboring Nakanobo, where you would feel you are walking in an ocean of peonies. The staff and monks here are also really nice and welcoming!
在这里第一次看到牡丹搭配了油纸伞，伞下随风摇曳的牡丹真是太优雅太美了。可能因为防晒做得到位，这里的牡丹比起长谷寺的，花瓣滋润饱满很多。除了最有名的奥院里的“净土庭院”，也不要错过隔壁中之坊里的“香藕园”哦，这里的庭院虽小一些、但会感觉牡丹花群更紧凑，像是漫步在花丛中一样，眼花缭乱。寺里的和尚和员工人也超好，很热情！
The three-story pagoda of Taima-dera Temple frequently appears in the essays of Yasushi Inoue, the author of "The Roof Tiles of Tenpyo," and I had always wanted to see it. In June 2026, I walked from the station to the temple in the morning rain. The houses lining both sides of the road, the landscaping, and the sumo monument kept me entertained. The national treasure mandala, said to have been woven by Princess Chujo, was not on display, but a later reproduction was hanging in its place. There were many sights to see, including the intricately crafted shrine and altar, the oldest known clay statue of Maitreya in Japan, various other Buddhist statues, the lush garden, and the razor used by Princess Chujo to shave her head.
The two three-story pagodas, one on the east and one on the west, are not as large as those at Yakushi-ji Temple, but they are magnificent and well worth seeing. 很高兴我来了。
回程途中，我在车站附近一家店里买了一块以中条公主命名的草饼。艾草的香气扑鼻而来，里面还配了满满的红豆沙和茶，只要500日元。真是美味极了。
