Saidoji Temple

This temple in the city of Niimi, Okayama, is distinguished by a long tunnel of white torii gates. There are 78 of these gates lining the approach to the shrine, creating a bright contrast to the surrounding green hills and rice paddies, and the hydrangeas and irises that bloom in the area each summer. The hydrangeas bloom from late June to the end of July. The temple is said to have been established by famous Buddhist priest and scholar Kukai (Kobo Daishi; 774–835).