On a hunch yesterday, I decided to visit my five favorite places for “Nanja Monja” trees in Konosu. It would normally be a bit too early to see them in full bloom, but my instincts paid off, because the Nanja Monja are already in prime condition at four of the five locations, including Shoganji (Shouganji / Sho(u)gan temple). I have had Shouganji included in the post about Konosu Park for the last few years, but to make it more visible and to showcase the Nanja Monja more, I have decided to give the “doll” temple a post of its own.
Shoganji Temple, Konosu
Shoganji is a temple of the Jodo Sect, founded during the Kamakura period. The temple has deep ties with the Tokugawa Shogunate, you can see the famous “Mitsuba Aoi” family crest at the temple. Furthermore, the temple is one of the 18 official ‘danrin’ of the Kanto plain. A ‘danrin’ 檀林 is a place of study for monks. In addition, the temple has a one-of-a-kind doll “offering” memorial service each November on Saitama Day, the 14th. After which they burn thousands (usually around 10,000) of dolls in front of the “Ningyozuka” Doll Mound, the first picture above. On the same night they have a “Ten Nights” Memorial service. It is one of the three Great “Ten Night” Ceremonies of the Kanto Plain.
Apart from its prestige and rich history, the temple is very photogenic. Particularly in cherry blossom and nanja monja seasons. Moreover, it is a ‘power’ spot and the site of Princess Makino’s grave as well as other prominent figures. The sign beside the door in the picture above tells the story of Princess Makino’s connection with Konosu City.
‘Nanja Monja’ White Fringe Tree
There is a stunning Nanja Monja tree at the temple, which has become quite famous in the 20s due to social media. A Nanja Monja (Nanjamonja) tree is a type of Fringe Tree of the Hitotsubatago species. Some people call it a “Snow Fringe Tree”, due to it appearing like its covered in snow when it is in full bloom. Others call it “Old Man’s Beard Tree,” again named for the white tassel like blossoms on the tree. I have also heard it referred to as a Chinese fringetree or Chinese Snowbell tree.
Generally, the Nanja Monja at Shoganji turns white around Golden week. This year, it is a little early. When I visited on April 28th it was already in full bloom. Of the nanjamonja locations I have visited in Konosu, this one is my overall favorite. The reason being twofold. One, it is the largest, two, it has low lying branches which allow you get up close and personal to the tree. Due to its stunning beauty and the tranquil setting in which it lies, it is a very popular Nanjamonja, attracting visitors and photographers from far and wide. The temple backdrops the Fringe Tree on one side, a temple bell on another and the one pink azalea on another offers a stunning contrast.
I combined a visit to four other Nanjamonja in Konosu on the same day. From the other famous nanjamonja to → an off the beaten path spot Nanjamonja to → Shoganji to → Kou’s beloved Nanja Monja on to → a fifth spot I hope to add to the blog soon.
Cherry Blossoms
The temple is also known for its cherry blossoms in conjunction with Konosu Park. You can see the temple gates framed by cherry blossoms in season. Please see the Konosu Park post for more about the cherry blossoms.
Details
Temple: Shoganji is also written as Shouganji or Shogan / Shougan Temple in English. In Japanese it is 勝願寺. Konosu is also often written as Kounosu or Kōnosu.
Address: Shoganji, 8 Chome-2-31 Honcho, Konosu, Saitama 365-0038. View on Google Maps.
Hours: not specified. Gates may be closed at night.
Cost: a contribution into the prayer box
Access: Shouganji is about a ten to fifteen minute walk from Konosu Station’s east exit, which is on the JR Takasaki Line. There is a rough parking lot – watch out for the potholes!
It does not have a website. There used to be a page on the Konosu city tourism website, but they recently changed their website and it is currently not active. The prefecture tourism website has a small piece on their site.