Month: December 2024

This temple is known as a sacred place of Zen meditation related to the monk Kobo Daishi (also known as Kukai), and is referred to as the “O-daishi-sama” (Great Teacher) of Yanai. It is a place of prayer and ascetic training with a history of more than 1,000 years. Even the feudal lord Kikkawa Kou and his wife undertook ascetic training here in the Edo period. Many visitors come here for prayers or walking all year-round, particularly for New Year’s prayers, festivals, and the seasons of cherry blossoms, spring greenery, and autumn maple leaves. The temple is also the setting of a novel by the esteemed writer Ibuse Masuji. The temple grounds connect to the trail entrance for the traverse hiking route between Mt. Mitsugadake and Mt. Kotoishiyama, known as the “Suo Alps”, which is popular for its ocean views.
Goshuin (Temple Seal and Calligraphy) can be received here.

If you proceed straight along Retoro-dori street from Yanai Station, the bell tower of Seiko-ji Temple can be seen up in the hills above.
There are double-blossomed cherry trees that neighbor the bell tower, with charming ball-shaped clusters of flowers. In addition to enjoying the view from the hills, many people come to visit during the cherry blossom season.

Inariyama shrine in Yanai City which has an impressive array of red gates (Torii) is famous for its magnificent Cherry trees and blossoms. When the 500 plus Cherry trees planted around the shrine blossom, the area looks like a cherry- coloured cloud and people can enjoy its splendor even from a distance. Those Cherry trees are past their peak but project sophisticated beauty which cannot be seen in young trees. Seto Inland Sea seen through the branches of the blossoming trees makes for a spectacular view.

Roughly 100 Cherry trees line the walking trail along the Tsutsuhoishigawa river near old Asahi bridge. The walkway gets lots of sun, fresh and crisp winds and is enjoyed by local people. There are benches to rest on and enjoy the Cherry blossoms.

Chausuyama Tumulus is one of the most historic sites in Yanai City. When the site was developed into the tumulus park, Cherry trees were planted. Those Someiyoshino blossoms bloom beautifully in Spring. The park is reminiscent of history and leaves a deep impression with the spectacular view of the whole of Yanai City and the beautiful Cherry blossoms.

The road which runs straight towards northwest from JR Yanai station is called Retro Dori. The station street was developed with an inspiration from the street in the Meiji to Showa period. Dogwoods and Peach trees planted along the street bloom lovely white and pale pink flowers in Spring.

Best Season：April (Dogwood blossoms)

Fukei-ji temple is said to be the oldest temple in Yanai City. You can enjoy Cherry Blossoms in Spring and the changing colours of the leaves of a giant Ginkgo tree in Autumn. The giant Ginkgo tree stands tall overlooking the main hall of the temple. It is a sight to see when the leaves on the widespread branches of the giant Ginkgo tree turn gold. The temple enshrines a statue of Aizen Myoo, red-bodied, drawing a bow towards Heaven. From its figure, it is also known as “Tengyu (celestial bow) Aizen Myoo”. As the statue is considered to be beneficial for love, marriage and household harmony, the temple is visited by many female worshippers.

Best Season：Mid. November (Gingko)