Hydrangea Temple Raikōji in Kawanishi, Hyogo: Vibrant Blooms Approaching Peak Season
兵庫県川西市東畦野にある賴光寺で、青やピンクに色づいたアジサイが見頃を迎えている。約500株に及ぶ花々が境内を彩り、参拝者や写真愛好家の姿も多く見られる。
Hydrangeas at Raikō-ji Temple in Kawanishi City, Hyogo Prefecture, are now in full bloom, with vivid blue and pink blossoms attracting visitors and photography enthusiasts to the quiet temple grounds. About 500 plants brighten the precincts.
今年は例年よりやや開花が遅く、つぼみも残るが、見頃は7月初旬ごろまで続く見通し。中でも西洋アジサイが多く、ボリュームのある花姿と豊富な品種が特徴で、「おたふく」や「隅田の花火」といった品種も見られる。土壌の影響か、青系統の花が多いという。
This year, the blooms appeared slightly later than usual, and some buds remain, but peak viewing is expected to last until early July. Most of the hydrangeas are Western varieties, known for their large, lush blooms and diversity. Varieties like “Otafuku” and “Sumida no Hanabi” can also be seen. Due to the soil, many of the flowers lean toward blue hues.
賴光寺は源満仲の夫人・法如尼の発願により、子の源賢（幼名・美女丸）によって建立された。現在では「あじさい寺」として親しまれ、市内外から多くの人が訪れる。昭和49年に川西市観光協会から贈られた約100株のアジサイを前住職らが育ててきた経緯があり、地元住民の憩いの場として根付いている。
Raikō-ji was founded by Genken, son of Minamoto no Mitsunaka and his wife Hounyo-ni. Today, it is affectionately known as the “Hydrangea Temple,” attracting visitors from inside and outside the city. In 1974, about 100 hydrangea plants were donated by the Kawanishi City Tourism Association and lovingly cultivated by the former head priest. The temple has since become a cherished place of rest for local residents.
境内は写真や俳句の題材を求める人の姿も多く、能勢電鉄「畦野」駅から徒歩5～6分とアクセスも良い。参拝は無料。
The grounds are frequented by people in search of photography or haiku inspiration. The temple is easily accessible, located about a 5 to 6-minute walk from Nose Electric Railway’s Uneno Station. Admission is free.
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