Tucked into the hillside below JR Yokohama Line is a small temple surrounded by a large graveyard. During March every year many plum trees in the temple garden and around the edges of the cemetery bloom in pink, white and red, spreading their sweet, spicy scent abroad. Although the best known place to view plum blossom in Machida is Yakushiike Park, the trees there bloom late, and somehow I always go too early, and am disappointed. Shounji Temple was so lovely, even though I visited the morning after a big storm, I plan to enjoy plum blossom there every year.
- 1 min read
Plum Blossoms at Shounji Temple
One of Machida's best spots for enjoying plum blossom
By Cathy Cawood
Community writer
Join the discussion
Param Pon
8 years ago
blissful!
Az-Zakwanul Faiz Bin Zakaria
8 years ago
Sakura & koi are perfect match until you mentioned the graveyard part.
I've always liked graveyards.
Anonymous
8 years ago
The sakura & koi add a serene touch to what most would consider dark/creepy about graveyards. Love these photos.
Victoria Vlisides
8 years ago
Love the koi fish photo! Can't get enough of plum blossoms.
Thanks, Victoria!
6 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1
Akashi City Gastronomy Event
Hyogo - Sponsored -
2
Shima Nakama Restaurant
Okinawa -
3
Nikko Featured on Fodor's Go List 2025
Tochigi -
4
Bar-Hopping & Seafood in Akashi City
Hyogo - Sponsored -
5
5 Icy Activities to Try in Japan
Activities -
6
Miyoko Schinner’s Vegan Japan Tour
Culture -
7
Universal Studios Japan Expands with Donkey Kong Country™
Osaka -
8
Kanazawa Makes Nat Geo's Best of the World 2025 List
Ishikawa -
9
Kura Sushi at 2025 Osaka Expo
Osaka - Sponsored -
10
Kamenoi Hotel Nachi-Katsuura and Wakayama Sightseeing
Wakayama - Sponsored
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
Tokyo Christmas Market
Tokyo -
3
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
4
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
5
Nabana no Sato Illumination
Mie -
6
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
Tokyo Auto Salon
Chiba -
9
A Guide to Japanese Visas
Planning -
10
Black Eggs of Owakudani, Hakone
Kanagawa