Mito Daishi Rokujizō-ji's Weeping Cherry Blossoms | Stunning | Hitachinaka Tourism

Pale pink weeping cherry blossoms swaying in the spring breeze. "Mito Daishi Rokujizo-ji," located at Mito City, has long been known as a temple of flowers.

The temple grounds were bustling with visitors as the weeping cherry blossoms reached their peak.

With locals taking walks and people snapping photos, a peaceful atmosphere filled the air. The scenery of towering trees and rows of cherry blossoms offered a unique springtime comfort—simply walking through it brought a sense of calm.

1. The approach path, flanked by a 1,100-year-old giant cedar and an 800-year-old giant ginkgo

At the entrance to the approach, a massive 1,100-year-old cedar and an 800-year-old ginkgo tree tower overhead, quietly watching over visitors. Passing between these giant trees, a row of cherry blossoms leading into the temple grounds spreads out, enveloping you in the light of spring.

2. The Main Hall of Rokujizo-ji Temple, with its fluttering five-colored curtains

Standing before the main hall, the colors of the cherry blossoms blended with the temple’s serene atmosphere, creating a scene so captivating that one couldn’t help but stop in their tracks.

3. About Rokujizo-ji Temple | The "Temple of Flowers," affectionately known as Mito Daishi

Rokujizō-ji is a Shingon Buddhist temple located in Rokutanda-chō, Mito City, and is affectionately known as “Mito Daishi.”

Long protected by the Mito Tokugawa family and successive feudal lords, the temple grounds are home to weeping cherry trees associated with Lord Mitsukuni, as well as flowers blooming throughout the four seasons. Due to its beauty, it is also known as the “Temple of Flowers” and has been selected as one of the “100 Scenic Views of Ibaraki.”

The Six Jizo, a row of six Jizo Bodhisattva statues, are revered as guardians of the Six Realms: Hell, Hungry Ghosts, Animals, Asuras, Humans, and Heaven. During cherry blossom season, the red hats and aprons of the Jizo statues contrast beautifully with the blossoms, creating a quintessential spring scene.

4. The Star of Spring: Weeping Cherry Trees Associated with Lord Mitsukuni That Envelop the Temple Grounds

The star of spring at Rokujizo Temple is the weeping cherry blossoms that bloom as if to cover the entire temple grounds.

Large cherry trees stand in front of the main hall and along the approach path, and the sight of the blossoms cascading like a waterfall is truly magnificent. As a tourist spot, it is relatively uncrowded, making it a charming place to stroll leisurely and take photos.

5. Historic Buildings Housing Nationally Designated Important Cultural Properties

Several historic structures remain on the temple grounds, some of which house National Important Cultural Properties and Prefectural Important Cultural Properties.

6. Access and Basic Information for Mito Daishi Rokujizo-ji

Address: Ibaraki PrefectureMito City 767 Rokutanda-cho
Parking: Available
Best time to view the cherry blossoms: Typically late March to mid-April
Access: About an 8-minute drive from JR Mito Station

よくある質問

When is the best time to see the weeping cherry blossoms at Mito Daishi Rokujizō-ji?

Typically, the best time to enjoy the blossoms is from late March to mid-April. The weeping cherry trees in the temple grounds are said to be descendants of the cherry trees admired by Lord Mitsukuni, and they are approximately 200 years old. You can enjoy the sight of large cherry trees standing along the main hall and the approach, with flowers cascading like a waterfall.

How do I access Mito Daishi Rokujizō-ji?

It takes about 8 minutes by car from JR Mito Station (4 km). If you prefer to take the bus, board at platform 3 of the north exit bus terminal at JR Mito Station and get off at "Rokujizō Entrance," then it's a 5-10 minute walk. You can also access it in about 6 minutes from the "Mito Minami IC" or "Mito Oarai IC" on the North Kanto Expressway.

Is there parking available?

Yes, there is parking available for 220 regular cars, and there are also spaces for large buses.

Are there specific visiting hours or days closed?

The temple opens at 6:00 AM and closes at 6:00 PM, with the main hall and reception open from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM. Please note that hours may change during the New Year, equinoxes, and Obon. The temple is open year-round.

What other attractions are there besides the weeping cherry blossoms?

Notable sights include the 1,100-year-old giant cedar and the 800-year-old giant ginkgo at the entrance of the approach, the main hall with its fluttering five-colored curtains, the Rokujizō Bodhisattva, and historical buildings housing important cultural properties designated by the national and prefectural governments. It is affectionately known as the "Temple of Flowers," having been selected as one of Ibaraki's top 100 scenic spots.