Usu Zenkoji Temple

Overview

Usu Zenkoji Temple is a temple located in Date City, Hokkaido, and designated as a national historical site. According to tradition, in 826 (Tencho 3) during the Heian period, Ennin (Jikaku Daishi), a monk from Mount Hiei, built a temple in Usu County, Iburi Province, and enshrined an Amitabha Buddha statue he himself carved. This is considered the founding of the temple. Later, in 1613 (Keicho 18), Matsumae Yoshihiro, the lord of the Matsumae Domain, rebuilt the Amitabha Buddha hall in Usu and enshrined the Amitabha Buddha statue, naming it "Zenkoji Temple." Usu Zenkoji Temple is known as a "Flower Temple" because various flowers such as cherry blossoms, azaleas, hydrangeas, and peonies bloom in vibrant colors in spring. In autumn, ginkgo and maple trees turn red and yellow, offering a completely different beauty. In the natural park on the temple grounds, you can enjoy over 1,000 cherry blossom trees and various other trees and flowers throughout the year, such as mizunara oak, sawtooth oak, yew, ginkgo, and azaleas. Usu Zenkoji Temple also houses many precious historical sites and cultural properties, including the "Ezo Sankanji Zenkoji-related materials," which are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. It's a place where you can relax and connect with history and nature.