Begonia flowers that herald the arrival of autumn when they bloom are attracting crowds to a temple in Gunma Prefecture, north of Tokyo.

Kichijoji temple in the village of Kawaba is known for having flowers for every season on its grounds.

There are about 1,000 hardy begonia plants around the pond and waterfall near its main hall. Their light pink flowers began blooming in mid-August this year, one or two weeks earlier than average, and are now in full bloom.

Visitors admired the blossoms and enjoyed the beginning of the autumn season.

One visitor in her 20s said she can hardly find this type of flower in her neighborhood, and that she liked its cute shape and felt comforted to see them.

The temple's senior priest Murakami Shunei said hardy begonias grow near water. He added that he would like people to feel cool with the sound of the stream of water while enjoying the flowers.

The temple says flowers can be seen in bloom through mid-September.