In 1644 Tōfukumon-in, consort of Emperor Go-Mizunoo, was bequeathed the old hermitage of Jimyōin Motoko (持明院基子 ?-1644).
She suggested the emperor construct a new temple, and so in 1654 he established Reikan-ji (霊鑑寺) with his daughter Gekkō Sōchō (月江宗澄) as founding head.
ROYAL ESCAPE
Plum blossoms aren't the only flowers in town
For two brief periods each year the once-imperial nunnery of Reikan-ji (霊鑑寺) opens its gate to the public.
From mid-March to mid-April visitors can enjoy over 100 species of camellia dotted around the hillside gardens.
In 1644 Tōfukumon-in, consort of Emperor Go-Mizunoo, was bequeathed the old hermitage of Jimyōin Motoko (持明院基子 ?-1644).
She suggested the emperor construct a new temple, and so in 1654 he established Reikan-ji (霊鑑寺) with his daughter Gekkō Sōchō (月江宗澄) as founding head.
winter wind-
camellia blossoms have fixed
their make-up
木がらしや椿は花の身づくろひ
-Kobayashi Issa, 1824.
Trans. David G. Lanoue.
Although predominantly considered a winter plant, camellias can be seen blooming for a large part of the year (from late fall to mid-spring)
ROYAL ESCAPE
Cherry blossoms aren't the only flowers in town
For two brief periods each year the once-imperial nunnery of Reikan-ji (霊鑑寺) opens its gate to the public.
Until April 7th visitors can enjoy over 100 species of camellia dotted around the hillside gardens.
