Let's Walk to enjoy Fall Colors🍁祭り Great Buddha & Goddess 👸🏻Temple @Nakayama!

Let's meet up to enjoy the gorgeous seasonal display of Autumnal colors on a pleasant morning walk around big, beautiful, historic Nakayama Hokkekyo-ji temple on Sunday, November 23rd!
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OUR TOUR: Located in the hills of Funabashi, not far from Tokyo, Hokkekyo-ji temple is an almost hidden, very historic 900-year old temple complex (or "teramachi") with many gorgeous buildings, set in a beautiful valley filled with Plum, Cherry, Peach, plus Oaks, Maples, Gingko, Keyaki & other trees which turn lovely colors in the Fall.
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There may even be a special display of Chrysanthemums (Kiku)!
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We'll explore the ancient temple grounds, discover mossy icons and images, see the amazing Gohonzon of Nichiren, the Kishimojin shrine, then hike up to the wonderful, inner "DRAGON" temple, where 'Saint' Nichiren-shonin took refuge from his enemies.
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Other cultural treasures we'll visit include the Great Buddha, Benten-do, Hokkedo Hall, Five Story Pagoda, Yotsuashi-mon gate and Soshi-do Hall.
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There's also a lovely Inari-jinja (Shinto shrine to the Goddess of rice) at the top of the hill, not far from the great gate. We'll surely pay our respects there!!
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We may also stop to enjoy an antique shop & visit the wonderful bakery-café up the hill from the main temple where we can stop for a late lunch, or breads, cookies, cake-snacks and drinks.
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https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-d1314356?m=55593
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CULTURE & HISTORY: Nakayama Hokkekyo-ji Temple in Chiba Prefecture belongs to the popular Nichiren sect. Established by the famous monk Nichiren Shonin, who lived during Kamakura Period (1185-1333) this temple hosts one of three Kishimojin Goddesses!
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The ancient legend of Kishimojin is most interesting, and may even come from Babylonian times! Originally a queen of cannibal demons, (with a with a taste for the flesh of infants) Kishimojin was confronted by a benign deity (in this case, the Buddha) who touched her heart, changing her into a Goddess of child protection!
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The symbol of Kishimojin is the ripe pomegranate (Zakuro), and you will often see this symbol, and pomegranate trees, at Nichiren temples, where the welfare of mothers and children is paramount.
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Many people who pray for safe childbirth, delivery from illnesses and business prosperity visit here. Inside the temple you can find works by Nichiren such as “Establishing the Correct teaching for the Peace of the Land (Rissho Ankoku Ron)” and “The Object of Devotion for Observing the Mind (Kanjin-no Honzon-sho)”, both designated as National Treasures.
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What to bring: Bring a smile, your mask, comfortable shoes, snacks & a beverage. (A small folding umbrella is sometimes useful too!)
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GOOD TO KNOW:
Since both JR Sobu Rapid Blue and Sobu Local Yellow trains stop at JR Ichikawa station, it's convenient for us to meet there, then take a local train to Nakayama. (Ichikawa is just 19 minutes East from JR Akihabara!)
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NOTE: If you prefer to take the Keisei Line from Nippori or Ueno, please get off at Keisei-Nakayama Station. We'll meet you there at 10:30.
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(PLEASE let me know in advance IF you'll be arriving at the Keisei Station!)
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NOTE: Temple admission is free, but we plan interesting events, and guide you to the best places, so please give generously! There's no set fee, but your supportive donations of from￥1000 -￥5000 are much appreciated!
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KIDS are WELCOME & free to join with a parent!
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We look forward to seeing you & hope you will invite your family & friends to join in this unique experience of traditional Japanese culture!
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Thanks! Your organizer, Kerry D. 💖