Hondoji, Matsudo City Colours Up [SPOT REPORT]

 Looking back at the Homotsuden, Treasure Hall at Hondoji

Hondoji, the Nichiren Buddhist temple in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture is best known for its tens of thousands of hydrangeas that put on a spectacular show in the rainy season. But it's also referred to as a temple of the four seasons, as there is something to see any time of year.

On Saturday, November 12th, the air was laden with that distinct odor of autumn leaves and the sky was a brilliant blue. The light in mid-morning made the colored leaves glow.

The temple is located a 10-minute stroll north of Kita-Kogane Station along an avenue with towering cedar trees. On the way, you'll spot a few soba restaurants, pickle shops, and an elegant cafe. These are great places to savor the atmosphere of the Kita-Kogane neighborhood.

The path starts at the Hondo, main hall

I start my stroll on the slope next to the Hondo which dates from 1611. The garden behind it is thick with dormant hydrangea bushes but offers a few glimpses of red and yellow leaves. 

Follow the path and you'll pass the modern treasure hall built in 1930 to house important calligraphy manuscripts and the temple's bell. This is where you look back at the treasure hall and over the expanse of the garden.

Looking back at the Homotsuden

Continue around the low-lying garden. This garden is a beauty in late spring when the irises bloom. The next spot is a well that is important to the Nichiren tradition. It's said that Nichiren's disciple received his first bath from this water. The miraculous water heals and encourages the milk of nursing mothers. Next to it is a temple dedicated to the mother of the founder.

The path returns you to the inner gate and a view of the pagoda enshrining a portion of the ashes of India's first prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru with a mature ginkgo tree flanking it.

The five-storied pagoda and ginkgo tree

I've shown you a lot of the beauty of Hondoji, but I haven't ser spoiled it. The temple has colored up but the momiji is yet to peak. I recommend you come in another week or two when the momiji at the Niomon gate put on a show.