Ioji Temple 医王寺

Atmospheric temple, peony festival spot

Ioji Temple is a Shingon Buzan Branch temple tucked away in the rural parts of northern Kashiwa City. The origins of the temple are obscure, but it may date from the Heian Period. Most of the year, it's a local spot and a mortuary temple. The temple garden is spectacular once a year in May when it has a peony festival. There is a great variety of huge flowers, and the temple and statuary create a timeless aura. Any time of year, it's a tranquil spot to take a breather. And it's photogenic in any season.