Usu Zenkoji Temple

A temple in Date City, Hokkaido, said to have been founded in 826 by Jikaku Daishi (Ennin). In the late Edo period, the main hall and guest hall were rebuilt by Tokugawa Ienari as one of the “Ezo Sankanji” temples. The main hall built at that time still stands today, having undergone repeated repairs after damage caused by eruptions of Mt. Usu.

Also known as the “Temple of Flowers,” this site has grounds and surrounding areas developed as Zenkoji Nature Park. Seasonal flowers delight visitors throughout the year, including around 1,000 cherry trees led by the “Ishiwari-zakura,” a cherry tree that grew by splitting a giant rock created by an eruption of Mt. Usu (early to late May), a wide variety of azaleas including the huge Yodogawa azalea behind the guest hall (mid-May), and colorful hydrangeas (mid-July to early August). In autumn, the fall foliage, including the great ginkgo tree, is also beautiful.

The treasure museum, open by advance reservation only, features many fascinating exhibits, including nationally designated cultural properties such as materials related to the shogunate and imperial court of the time, as well as Buddhist statues and materials related to the Ainu people.