Houkouji Temple

Houkouji

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A Zen temple surrounded by the greenery of Okuyama, offering a tranquil space for peace and relaxation.

Historic Sites
Shrines and Temples

Tourist destination images of Houkouji Temple(1)

Tourist destination images of Houkouji Temple(2)

Tourist destination images of Houkouji Temple(3)

Tourist destination images of Houkouji Temple(4)

Tourist destination images of Houkouji Temple(5)

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HighlightsStroll through the serene temple grounds, enveloped in the deep green of Okuyama.
Experience zazen (seated meditation) and shakyo (copying sutras).
Refresh mind and body while admiring the beautiful scenery of each season.
Savor traditional Shojin Ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine).
Appreciate valuable cultural properties, including nationally designated Important Cultural Properties.

Basic Information

Address: 1577-1 Okuyama, Hikuwa-cho, Hamamatsu-shi, Shizuoka-ken Search for tourist attractions in Shizuoka

Access: Car: About 15 minutes from the Shin-Tomei Expressway, Hikuwa IC. Train: About 1 hour by Entetsu Bus bound for Okuyama Hansobo from JR Tokaido Main Line, Hamamatsu Station. Show route

Op.Hours: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

Cld.Days: Generally open year-round, however, please inquire as there may be rare occasions when we are closed for various events.

Fee: Adults: ¥500 (¥450 for groups of 20 or more) Students (Junior High and below): ¥200 (¥150 for groups of 20 or more) Preschool children: Free

INFO: The entrance to the grounds will be closed at 3:30 PM for the time being. Please be aware of this when visiting. Please use the public parking lot.

HP: http://www.houkouji.or.jp/

Overview

Houkouji Temple, the head temple of the Rinzai Houkouji school, was founded in 1371 and is nestled in the Okuyama mountains of Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Founded by Mugen Genzen Zenji, a prince of Emperor Godaigo, it flourished under the patronage of Tokugawa Ieyasu. Houkouji Temple is known as a place for refreshing mind and body, surrounded by a tranquil natural environment. The extensive temple grounds boast numerous precious cultural properties, including the nationally designated Important Cultural Property, Shichison Bosatsu-do hall, and wooden statues of Shaka Nyorai and his two attendant bodhisattvas, offering a glimpse into history. At Houkouji Temple, you can experience the unique tranquility through zazen (seated meditation) and shakyo (copying sutras). Zazen helps regulate breathing, eliminate distracting thoughts, and calm the mind. Shakyo enhances concentration and promotes serenity through the meticulous copying of characters. The temple also offers seasonal Shojin Ryori (vegetarian Buddhist cuisine), a culinary highlight. Characterized by its simple yet profound flavors showcasing the inherent taste of the ingredients, it provides a truly special and fulfilling experience. Houkouji Temple is an ideal destination for those seeking history, culture, nature, and inner peace.