Every spring, a majestic, 350-year-old weeping cherry tree bursts into bloom in a serene forest setting, offering visitors a tranquil escape from the fast-paced world. Despite its breathtaking beauty, this hidden gem remains relatively unknown—even among Japanese tourists. If you’re visiting Hakone, be sure to include this enchanting site in your itinerary.
Tourist Attractions and Activities
Choko-san Shotaiji Temple in Odawara is home to a weeping cherry tree designated as a Natural Monument of Odawara City and one of the “Kanagawa Top 100 Trees.”
While the temple features two weeping cherry trees, this guide spotlights the one located slightly away from the main temple grounds, nestled in a peaceful forest. While the tree’s blossoms have reportedly thinned in recent years, its beauty remains captivating, offering visitors a remarkable experience.
Key Features of the Weeping Cherry Tree:
- A massive, awe-inspiring presence.
- Unique photo opportunities from various angles.
- Real-time blooming updates available online.
Impressive Large Tree
This ancient cherry tree, believed to be around 350 years old, was planted by a feudal lord during the Edo period.
Protected by a fence to ensure its preservation, the tree’s sprawling branches reach skyward, creating a striking silhouette. Benches nearby offer a perfect spot to relax and admire its beauty, perhaps while enjoying yomogi dango —a sweet treat from a nearby teahouse.
Unique Photo Opportunities
The tree sits on a hillside surrounded by forests to the south and west. To the east, an open space near a teahouse offers an ideal vantage point for powerful shots. While daytime photos may experience backlighting, the north side is the best spot for capturing the tree’s full view.
From the northern road, visitors can photograph the tree from an elevated perspective. Climbing further up the hill reveals a unique vantage point, offering a view of the cherry tree from above. Smaller weeping cherry trees along the road also frame the giant tree beautifully.
Blooming Information
Choko-san Shotaiji Temple’s official website provides updated photos and blooming details early in the season. Make sure to check it out before planning your visit.
Culture, History, and Traditions
Choko-san Shotaiji Temple serves as the family temple of the Inaba clan, feudal lords from the early Edo period. It is also the final resting place of Kasuga no Tsubone, the wet nurse of Tokugawa Iemitsu, the third Tokugawa shogun.
In 1691, the German physician Engelbert Kaempfer passed through this area and described the temple’s magnificent main gate, later destroyed by fire, in his “The Diary of a Journey to Edo.”
Dining Guide
Shojin Ryori
The temple offers Ōbaku Fucha cuisine, a traditional vegetarian fare rooted in Chinese Buddhist cooking. This cuisine reflects Buddhist principles, with dishes crafted from vegetables, beans, and grains.
Reservations are required, typically for groups of four or more. However, smaller groups can inquire about availability through the temple’s website. Note that the site is in Japanese, but you can use the browser’s translation feature to find the necessary details.
Light Meals
A small café near the weeping cherry tree serves drinks and light snacks, providing a charming spot to unwind after exploring the area.
Accommodation
As the cherry tree is located in a forested, mountainous area with limited facilities, staying in nearby Odawara or Hakone is recommended.
Transportation
Directions to the Temple
From Iriuda Station, the temple is a five-minute walk on flat terrain, followed by a 20-minute uphill trek to reach the cherry tree. Comfortable footwear is highly recommended.
Getting to Odawara
By Train
Odakyu Electric Railway - Odawara Line
- From Shinjuku: 1 hour 30 minutes (900 yen).
- Limited Express “Romancecar”: 1 hour 10 minutes (additional 910 yen).
- Odakyu Electric Railway Official website
JR East - Tokaido Line
- From Tokyo: 1 hour 30 minutes (1,520 yen).
- Frequent service with 4-6 trains per hour.
- JR East Official website
JR Tokai - Tokaido Shinkansen
- From Tokyo: 33 minutes by Kodama Shinkansen (total fare: 3,810 yen).
- JR Tokai Official website
From Odawara to Iryuda
Hakone Tozan Railway
- From Odawara Station: 10 minutes to Iriuda Station (230 yen).
- Hakone Tozan Railway Official website
By Bus
Although buses are available from Odawara Station, they are less frequent and more expensive than trains. Google Maps is recommended for route planning.
Budget and Transportation Tips
Viewing the weeping cherry tree is free of charge. Public transport is convenient, with multiple options to suit different budgets.
Weather Guide
The climate is similar to Tokyo, but the forested setting can be slightly cooler. Layered clothing is ideal for the uphill walk and your visit.
