main temple building

main temple building

Photographing the temple atmosphere with hydrangea and autumn leaves at Hondenji Temple

Hondenji Temple is a very popular spot for photographing hydrangea and autumn leaves. During the rainy season, the hydrangeas blooming on the temple grounds brightly color the entire temple, and their beauty is exceptional when wet from the rain. In particular, the contrast between the hydrangeas and the historic main hall and five-story pagoda creates a unique and fantastic scenery, making it a great place to capture them on camera. In autumn, Hondoji Temple is enveloped in brilliant autumn leaves, which further accentuate the beautiful buildings and gardens on the temple grounds. The bright red maple trees and maples reflected in the pond and moss garden are captivatingly beautiful. Especially when photographed in the soft morning or evening light, the vivid colors of the autumn leaves are enhanced. Whether it is hydrangea or autumn leaves, Hondoji is full of photogenic scenery in both seasons, so be sure to visit with your camera.

Key points for photography

The key to photographing the temple is to be aware that it is a very popular temple and that it will be crowded, especially during the hydrangea season. If you want to photograph the temple in near-absence of people, it is recommended to visit early to coincide with the opening time of the temple gates. The hydrangea path on the right as you enter the temple is less crowded in the morning hours, so you can calmly take in the beautiful scenery. By taking pictures in the soft light of a quiet morning, the vivid hydrangeas and the calm atmosphere of the temple will blend together to create a somewhat magical picture.

Best viewing and photography timing

Best Season

Spring, rainy season, fall

Recommended times

Access & Basic Information (Check Before Shooting)

Item Details
Address 63 Hiraga, Matsudo-shi, Chiba
subject Cherry blossoms, hydrangea, autumn leaves
Admission fee Yes
Admission Time Yes
Parking lot Yes
Restroom Yes

The day I visited this place in the past

Route taken on June 15, 2024.

Route taken on December 1, 2024.

December

Gingko leaves in full bloom in the quietness of the temple

This photo focuses on the autumn leaves of the gingko trees, which seem to glow against the dimly lit background, capturing their quiet and mysterious atmosphere.
December

Hondoji Temple|The beautiful colors created by ginkgo and red maple leaves

This photograph was taken with a conscious effort to create a beautiful composition, featuring vibrant yellow ginkgo leaves in the background and bright red maple leaves in the foreground, emphasizing the striking contrast in color.
December

Hondoji Temple|A Historic Landscape Where Autumn Foliage and the Outer Gate Harmonize

This photo was taken from an angle that harmonizes the autumn foliage of the maple trees with the outer gate, as seen from inside.
December

HONDA TEMPLE|Historic scenery of HONDA TEMPLE in the autumn foliage

In this photo, I made a conscious effort to capture the brightly colored maple leaves and the historical building of Hondoji together.
December

Hondoji Temple|The Five-Story Pagoda Viewed Through a Frame of Maple Leaves

This photograph was taken from within a maple tree whose vibrant autumn foliage spreads beautifully, framing the five-story pagoda towering in the background.
December

HONDA-JI|Autumn at HONDA-JI with the five-story pagoda and autumn leaves

This photo was taken by placing the five-story pagoda of Hondoji Temple in the center, while considering the balance so that the surrounding autumn leaves would stand out.
Year 2024

Hondoji Temple|Enjoy the vibrant hydrangea scenery at Hondoji Temple

This photo balances the well-shaped hydrangea with the surrounding landscape.
Year 2024

Hondoji Temple|Hydrangea Temple in Matsudo City, Chiba Prefecture Hydrangeas at their peak bloom at Hondoji Temple

This photo was taken looking up at the hydrangea from below, so that the sky is also reflected.
Year 2024

HONDA TEMPLE|Vivid flowers in bloom on the Hydrangea Road at HONDA TEMPLE

In this photo, the hydrangea in the foreground is in focus while the hydrangea continues in the background to express depth.
Year 2024

Hondoji Temple|Chiba Prefecture's Hondoji Temple Spring scenery adorned with beautiful hydrangeas

This photo was taken by balancing the hydrangea and stone lanterns.
Year 2024

Hondoji Temple|Hondoji Temple, a famous hydrangea spot, captivates visitors with its beautiful scenery.

This photo was taken with an eye to the sunlight hitting the well-shaped hydrangea.
Year 2024

Hontouji|Hontouji: Flowers and Tranquility at Chiba's Hydrangea Temple

This photo was taken with the hydrangea in focus and the gate behind it in mind from below.
Year 2024

HONDA TEMPLE|Enjoy a moment of spring on the hydrangea road at HONDA TEMPLE

This photo was taken with the shady hydrangea in the foreground and the stone lantern in the sun in mind.
Year 2024

Mainland Temple|Beautiful hydrangea and its scenery in bloom at Mainland Temple

This photo was taken by focusing on the well-shaped hydrangea and blurring out the building in the background.
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