In recent years, Tsubosaka-dera’s view of a giant Buddha statue surrounded by cherry blossoms has become a popular photo spot in Nara Prefecture. This spectacular sight, along with Tsubosaka-dera’s other features, makes it worth the trip into the mountains. Temple HistoryTsubosaka-dera in Nara Prefecture is located near Mount Yoshino, one of the most popular cherry blossom viewing spots in Japan. The name “Tsubosaka-dera” means “jar on a hillside temple,” and its origins date back to 703 AD. Legend says the temple was founded by the monk Benki of Gangoji. While he was practicing asceticism on …