What is Nyoirinji Temple? The bewitching view of about 20,000 cluster amaryllis that dyes the precincts red!
Good evening, I’m ryo!
Thank you for coming to my Blog.
There’re a lot of wonderful places in Iwate, so I want many people to come to Iwate.
By the way, “Higanbana(A cluster amaryllis)” is said to have been named because it blooms at the beginning of the autumn equinoctial week and finishes blooming at the end of the equinoctial week. It has a bewitching beauty with bright red burning flowers.
Today I will introduce “Nyoirinji Temple” in Inase-cho, Kitakami that is known as a famous spot for cluster amaryllis. The view of about 20,000 cluster amaryllis that dye the precincts red is a spectacular view.
- What is Nyoirinji Temple?
- The bewitching view of about 20,000 cluster amaryllis that dyes the precincts red!
- Information of Nyoirinji Temple
What is Nyoirinji Temple?
“Nyoirinji Temple” in Inase-cho, Kitakami is a temple of the Shingon sect Chizan faction.
In the area of Mt. Kunimi, Inase-cho, there used to be a mountain temple “Kunimiyama Gokurakuji” in the middle of the Heian period before Oshu Fujiwara clan of Hiraizumi prospered. According to folklore, It had more than 700 temples and 36 Soubou(monastery). At that time, this scale was one of the largest in the north Tohoku region and was a major Buddhist sanctuary. Currently, it has become the “Kunimiyama Haiji Ato” and most of it has disappeared, but the predecessor of Nyoirinji Temple is considered to be one of the 36 Soubou.
The principal image of Nyoirinji (principal object of worship) are the “Wooden Nyoirin Kannon Zazou“(seated figure), a cultural property designated by Kitakami and “Wooden Shaka Sanson Zazou“(seated figure), a cultural property designated by Iwate. Both are extremely valuable, and many worshipers come to see them.
The bewitching view of about 20,000 cluster amaryllis that dyes the precincts red!
Nyoirinji Temple is also known as a famous place for “cluster amaryllis“. The chief priest divided the stock and gradually increased the number of cluster amaryllis, and the number is now about 20,000. The view of them being dyed red so that they burn in the precincts is a masterpiece.
Cluster amaryllis blooms in a row on the side of the approach leading from the main gate to the main hall. It looks like a red carpet and has a bewitching charm combined with the solemn atmosphere of the precincts.
Cluster amaryllis is also called “Higanbana” or “Manju Syage” in Japan. There are some superstitions in Japan such as “If you bring a cluster amaryllis home, it will cause a fire”, so some people may have a slightly dark image. These superstitions are said to be derived from the fact that the color and appearance of cluster amaryllis are reminiscent of fire and that cluster amaryllis has poison.
However, the flower language of cluster amaryllis are “passion”, “independence”, “reunion”, “give up”, “reincarnation”, “sad memories”, “think you alone”, “look forward to the day we meet again”. It is a flower with many positive meanings.
The best time to see the cluster amaryllis at Nyoirinji is from late September to early October.
Information of Nyoirinji Temple
| Address | Uchikadooka68, Inasecho, Kitakami, Iwate |
| Access | 【By Car】Kitakami Station~Nyoirinji Temple about 15min |