Overview
Shōtai-ji is an Ōbaku Zen temple in Iryūda, Odawara City, Kanagawa Prefecture, bearing the mountain name Chōkōzan. Set in a wooded hillside near the gateway to the Hakone region, it is famous for the great weeping cherry tree known as the Chōkōzan Shidare-zakura, which cascades down the slope above the grounds. The temple blends Zen serenity with the changing beauty of the seasons, making it a quiet hidden gem of Odawara.
Highlights
- ●The great weeping cherry Chōkōzan Shidare-zakura cascading down the slope
- ●The distinctive character of an Ōbaku Zen temple named Chōkōzan
- ●A tranquil hillside precinct near the gateway to Hakone
- ●Mountain-temple scenery that changes with each season
History
As its mountain name Chōkōzan suggests, Shōtai-ji has long been associated with the hill on which it stands. It belongs to the Ōbaku school of Zen, a lineage transmitted from China that preserves Ming-era architectural and ceremonial styles distinct from other Zen sects. The famous Chōkōzan weeping cherry on the grounds is an aged and celebrated tree that has been cherished alongside the temple for generations. For details on its founding and the history of its halls, it is best to check on-site guides or official information.
Access
The temple lies in Iryūda, Odawara City. The usual approach is on foot up the hillside from Iryūda Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway. It is close to Odawara Station and easy to combine with a Hakone excursion. Reaching the elevated spot where the weeping cherry stands involves a slope and mountain path, so sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Confirm routes and visiting hours through official sources.
Best season
The finest time is late March to early April, when the celebrated weeping cherry blooms. The sight of pale pink blossoms cascading across the slope is spectacular and draws many visitors. The fresh greenery of early summer and the autumn foliage also offer the calm charm of a mountain temple.
Map
35.2428, 139.1206 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Walk uphill from Iryūda Station on the Hakone Tozan Railway
- 2Take in the Zen quiet of the Ōbaku temple grounds at Shōtai-ji
- 3Climb to the higher ground to admire the Chōkōzan weeping cherry
- 4Head back toward Odawara Station and extend the trip to Hakone or Odawara Castle
Did you know?
💡 The Chōkōzan Shidare-zakura is the symbol of the grounds, drawing blossom viewers from far and wide during its flowering season. Being a temple of the China-derived Ōbaku school gives it an appeal distinct from other Zen temples.
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