Hanachozu was initially used as a way to purify oneself by using the dew on flowers and plants instead of water.*

In many of the temples and shrines throughout Japan, the practice of purifying your hands and mouth before prayer is called temizu or chozu.

Therefore, it’s fairly common to see water flowing from a bamboo pipe or a bronze statue of a dragon at the entrances of temples and shrines.

This is where the act of temizu is performed. For this reason, the Japanese name for these fountains is either temizusha (house of temizu) or chozusha (house of chozu).

Also, the wooden dippers used to carry the water are called temizubachi (dipper or bowl for temizu).

(*Some of the views or practices regarding hanachozu may differ due to the beliefs at certain temples and shrines.)

However, the present-day understanding of hanachozu is slightly different. Hanachozu now refers to flowers that float on the surface of chozus (basins or dippers). This is said to have originated from Kyoto’s Yanagidani Kannon (Yokoku-ji Temple).

Yokoku-ji Temple is historically known for being a temple of healing. Here, many people suffering from illness or disease visit to pray for better health. Additionally, it’s also known for its hydrangeas in early summer and foliage in the fall.

In 2015, the temple decorated its many chozus with fresh flowers. This display became a huge hit on Japanese social media.

The new type of hanachozu became increasingly popular during Covid-19.

In order to slow the spread of the virus, many temples and shrines had to stop offering the usage of chozu to the general public. Because of this, temples and shrines throughout Japan took the opportunity to decorate their basins and dippers with flowers.

All temples and shrines have their own reason for implementing the new type of hanachozu. One of them is that the spread of Covid-19 has caused a dramatic decrease in the number of visitors.

As a way to attract more people, temples and shrines began to use flowers that would be otherwise disposed of to decorate their grounds.

In addition to the hope that hanachozu displays would bring its visitors some peace during a difficult time, they were arranged with the hopes that the spread of Covid-19 would soon stop.

These arrangements were quickly shared on many social media platforms and have soothed the hearts of many ever since.

You can even find hanachozu at famous temples and shrines in the suburbs! We will introduce spots that you can get to easily from central Tokyo.

① Horin-ji Temple
This temple is known for its many posts of colorful hanachozu on its official Instagram account. Calling themselves the committee for hanachozu promotion, they showcase many different displays throughout the year.

Furthermore, their famous and colorful goshuin, large stamps handwritten by monks, are a huge hit on social media. Horin-ji also offers sutra-copying workshops and yoga classes, so it’s super easy to stop by!

Being very open-minded and modern, the temple even has its own YouTube channel operated by the head priest.

② Nogi Shrine
This shrine was made to honor Nogi Maruseke, a soldier during the Meiji era that led Japan to victory in the Russo-Japanese War and his wife.

Because it’s covered in verdant greenery, Nogi Shrine acts as an oasis in the city. Its refined appearance is also one of its characteristics. From 2020, it began to decorate its grounds with hanachozu. Irregular displays are held mainly in the summer.

③ Tsukiji Hongwan-ji Temple
The characteristic of this temple is its uniquely beautiful and extravagant architecture inspired by ancient Buddhist designs from India. Inside the open space are a cafe, a book shop, and accommodation. It’s the perfect place to enjoy as a little getaway.

Moreover, the temple is close to the Tsukiji outer market, making it a great spot for sightseeing. Hanachozu displays are held irregularly.

④ Shitaya Shrine
Located in Tokyo’s Ueno district, this shrine is the oldest Oinari-sama in the city. An Oinari-sama shrine is said to bring promises of a good crop to those who visit it.

Very fittingly, the Japanese kanji character for rice plant is used in its name. Here you can find irregular hanachozu displays as well as scheduled displays on the first of every month.

Flowers displayed monthly are made to complement the color of the shrine’s limited-edition goshuin.

⑤ Fukutoku Shrine (Mebuki Inari)
Due to being located in a business district in Tokyo’s Nihonbashi, many business people visit Fukutoku Shrine. With its other name being Mebuki Inari, the shrine has a long history dating back to the year 860.

Also known for being a religious site for many samurai, it’s said that Tokugawa Ieyasu visited this sacred landmark during the Edo period (1603 – 1868).

Hanachuzo can be easily made on your own. If you ever have the opportunity, please invite the peaceful atmosphere it brings into your home. Here we will introduce some tips on how to make a mini version.

It’s super easy! All you have to prepare are some cut flowers of your choice, scissors for the stems, a pot, and water.

Instructions on How to Make a Mini Hanachuzo
① Prepare a container
② Fill it with water
③ Because you only need the top part of the flower, cut the stem off with a pair of scissors.
④ Arrange the flowers so that they float how you like.

・Flower Recommendations
Brightly colored flowers with large blooming petals and flowers that appear round in shape when viewed from above are recommended. Examples: Gerbera daisies, sunflowers, chrysanthemums, roses, hydrangeas, etc.

・Recommended Pots
The best option is to use a round flower bowl or pot. However, you can also fill a bowl you already have at home with water.

When it comes to hanachozu, there aren’t any rules on how to arrange the flowers. This freedom adds to its charm. Even already wilting flowers will come back to life once put in the water.

Hanachozu is a form of traditional Japanese flower art. It began as a Japanese practice made with the intention of purifying the body and soul before prayer. As of late, it has turned into a display that brings peace to the people of the modern day.

Please visit some of the temples and shrines in Japan to take a look at the hanachozu displays. In addition to enjoying the unique arrangements at each temple and shrine, you can also enjoy the different displays of each season.

However, please keep in mind that flowers are a lifeform. The period in which these events are held is irregular. The display period also changes depending on the temple or shrine, so please be sure to check whether or not the event is being held in advance.