40 Honnogami, Nagatoro-machi, Chichibu-gun, Saitama Prefecture
Rating
Cost per person
¥500
Tahō-ji Temple, also known as the Kikyō-dera (Bellflower Temple), is a Shingon Buddhist temple of the Chisan sect founded in 1321. It's one of the temples on the Nagatoro Autumn Seven Herbs Temple Pilgrimage, famous for its bellflowers (kikyō). While the best time to see the bellflowers in full bloom is difficult to predict, the temple offers a serene atmosphere, especially outside of the peak autumn season. In spring, cherry blossoms adorn the grounds. The main hall houses an Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva statue. Located in Nagatoro, Saitama, it's easily accessible, though the grounds are relatively small.