Naritasan Chrysanthemum Exhibition

Naritasan Shinshoji, founded by tradition in 940, is a head temple of the Chisan branch of Shingon Buddhism and among the most visited temples in Japan at New Year. Its chrysanthemum exhibition has been held each autumn since 1883. Members of the Naritasan Chrysanthemum Society offer plants they have tended through the year, and these are displayed around the Great Main Hall for about a month. The entries range widely: bonsai chrysanthemums trained at the trunk, cascade forms trained to fall as if down a cliff face, and large-flowered pot specimens, filling the approach and the stone steps up to the main hall. The blooms are at their best in early November, when the precincts are also busy with Shichi-Go-San blessings; by the close of the show the autumn colour in Naritasan Park has begun. Combined with the temple-gate town along the approach, it makes a full day out. The temple is about a 10-minute walk from either Keisei Narita or JR Narita station.