Honrakuji Temple

Overview

Honrakuji Temple is a Shingon-goshuha sect temple located in Mishima Kojima, Anabuki-cho, Mima City, Tokushima Prefecture. Founded in 828 (during the reign of Emperor Ninmyo) by the monk Eyun, it's known as the 5th temple on the Awa Saigoku Thirty-Three Kannon pilgrimage route. The principal image of worship is Amitabha Tathagata. Honrakuji's greatest charm lies in its kare-sansui garden, which uses the Yoshino River and the Awa Sanmyaku mountain range as its backdrop. Selected as one of the Shikoku Eighty-Eight Views, this garden harmonizes beautifully with the lush natural surroundings and offers a tranquil escape for visitors. The vibrant colors of spring's fresh greenery and autumn's foliage are particularly stunning. There is an admission fee to enter the garden beyond the mountain gate. The temple grounds also feature a main hall, tea room, and Gomado hall (a hall for esoteric Buddhist rituals), offering ample opportunity for a peaceful stroll. The main hall houses the Amitabha Tathagata, creating an atmosphere of solemnity. The tea room provides a space for quiet contemplation, perfect for enjoying a cup of tea. The Gomado hall, with its fragrant hinoki (Japanese cypress) wood, exudes a mystical ambiance. Honrakuji is a serene space where history and nature blend together harmoniously, providing a calming retreat.