Saimyoji Temple

Place famous for fall foliage or new greenery

This ancient temple is situated amidst the mountains of Shionoe. Some 200 bush clover plants grow on the grounds spanning 10 varieties, such as Thunberg's lespedeza, crimson bush clover, and dwarf milkwort, and the temple is also known as the “Bush Clover Temple.” In most years, the best time to see the temple’s bush clover in bloom is from late August to early September. The temple veritably buried in pale blossoms is a spectacular sight, and when the plants are in bloom the normally quiet grounds bustle with tourists and worshipers. A waterfall believed to have once been used for ascetic training purposes is locate behind the temple, and there is a sacred rock at the waterfall which looks like it will fall but never does. It is said that those who pray to the rock will also not fall (fail) and achieve their goal, and many people come here to receive divine assistance in passing a school entrance exam, attaining and maintain peace and prosperity in the home, and running a thriving business.