Shofukuji Temple and Kasama Tsutsuji Park(Kasama Azalea Park) [Ibaraki]

2025年5月8日

【Shofukuji Temple summary】

Shofukuji Temple was founded in 651 (Baiji 2). Its official name is “Shofuku-ji Temple, Mt. Although the name and other details are unknown, it is said that the temple was founded when a hunter at that time saw the thousand-armed Kannon in the Sabaku Mountains and sculpted a statue of the Kannon. Although the temple flourished during the Edo period (1603-1867) as the 23rd temple of the Bando Sanjusan Kannon, it was temporarily closed due to the abolition of Buddhism and the prohibition of Shugendo after the Meiji period (1868-1912), but was rebuilt in the Showa period (1926-1989).

The main deity is enshrined as the eleven-faced Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva with one thousand hands and one thousand eyes.

【Bando Sanjusan Kannon (Thirty-three Goddesses of Mercy)？】

The 33 sacred sites of the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva were established by Minamoto no Yoritomo, and are located in Kanagawa, Saitama, Tokyo, Gunma, Tochigi, Ibaraki, and Chiba prefectures, covering a total distance of 1,300 kilometers.

【Shofukuji Temple Main hall】

It is now also one of the entrances to Azalea Park. From the side of the red seal station, climb the 70 steps to the main hall.

DSC 1577 1024x768 - Shofukuji Temple and Kasama Tsutsuji Park(Kasama Azalea Park) [Ibaraki]

As we climbed the stairs leading to the precincts of the temple and stepped out into the open space, we found a small Kannon-do temple standing surrounded by trees. Azaleas were blooming beautifully in the temple grounds.

Sasama Azalea Park can be reached from the side of this main hall.

【Kasama Tsutsuji Park(Kasama Azalea Park) 】

There was a place to pay admission fee on the way to the park, which was 500 yen for adults and free for elementary school students and younger.

DSC 1604 1024x768 - Shofukuji Temple and Kasama Tsutsuji Park(Kasama Azalea Park) [Ibaraki]

It is a steady climb up to the park, but the azaleas on both sides of the path are in full bloom and provide a wonderful view. The park covers an area of about 7 hectares, with about 8,500 azaleas planted.

【Kasama Tsutsuji Park(Kasama Azalea Park) substitute for Kannon (Boddhisattva)】

DSC 1625 R 1024x768 - Shofukuji Temple and Kasama Tsutsuji Park(Kasama Azalea Park) [Ibaraki]

In front of the observatory is a statue of the Substitute Kannon. The Substitute Kannon is a figure of Kannon Bodhisattva who takes the suffering of people in their place and provides relief. It is found throughout Japan and is believed to be a Buddha who protects people from calamities.

【Kasama Tsutsuji Park(Kasama Azalea Park) 　View from the observatory】

DSC 1613 2 1024x768 - Shofukuji Temple and Kasama Tsutsuji Park(Kasama Azalea Park) [Ibaraki]

The observatory is located on a small hill with few utility poles, buildings, or other man-made structures around it, so the view of azaleas in full bloom is nothing short of spectacular. The azaleas here were created by a citizens’ movement started in 1967 to plant a single azalea plant.

【Shofukuji Temple GOSHUIN】

shouhukuji 689x1024 - Shofukuji Temple and Kasama Tsutsuji Park(Kasama Azalea Park) [Ibaraki]

【Shofukuji Temple and Kasama Tsutsuji Park(Kasama Azalea Park) Nearby attractions】

Kasama Inari Shrine

DSC 1559 520x300 - Shofukuji Temple and Kasama Tsutsuji Park(Kasama Azalea Park) [Ibaraki]

Kasama Inari Shrine [Ibaraki]

【Shofukuji Temple and Kasama Tsutsuji Park(Kasama Azalea Park) Access】

Manager’s Comments

It is the largest and most wonderful place in the Kanto area for viewing azaleas. The azaleas bloom from late April to early May every year, and the park is said to be very crowded during GW. The road to the park is narrow and it is within walking distance from Kasama Inari Shrine, so it is better to walk there with Sasama sightseeing than to park in the park’s parking lot.

Site/Facility Size

(5)

Richness of Nature

(5)

Ease of access

(2)

Number of tourists

(4.5)