Peonies（Botan）

Centuries ago, the Tang Dynasty Emperor Xizong's horse-faced consort, who was deeply concerned about her appearance, was told by a mystic hermit to pray to Kannon (Guanyin) of Hasedera Temple in Yamato (Japan). She sent an emissary to pray and received a miracle in return, becoming resplendently beautiful. Legend tells us that she sent ten peony bushes to Hasedera Temple in gratitude. The peonies on Nishiarai Daishi grounds were transplanted from Hasedera Temple, and today people speak of "Hasedera of the west and Nishiarai of the east."

• Prime viewing : Starting in early April, but varies according to spring temperatures and weather.