Guide
Otani-ha Higashi Honganji Hakodate Betsuin is a temple of the Shinshu Otani own school, located in the historic Motomachi district of Hakodate, Hokkaido. The Main Hall, Main Gate, and Bell Tower are all designated as National Important Cultural Properties. The current structures are unique in architectural history, as they utilize reinforced concrete technology to meticulously recreate the intricate details of traditional Japanese wooden architecture. The Main Hall is a massive structure with a total floor area of 1,115.11 square meters and a wide frontage of 33 meters.
The origins of this temple date back to 1641, originally founded by Sennen-ji in Matsumae, before being relocated to the current Hakodate area in 1710. In 1858, it served as a branch of the Honganji temple by order of the Edo Shogunate. Although the original structures were lost in the Great Hakodate Fire of 1907, reconstruction was undertaken based on the designs of the 9th-generation Ito Heizaemon, an Imperial Art Academy member. Due to his passing during the design phase, the construction was completed by Kida Yasuzo, a pioneer of reinforced concrete construction in Hokkaido. In 1989, the temple was designated as a traditional building of Hakodate, and in 2007, the Main Hall, Main Gate, and Bell Tower were elevated to the status of National Important Cultural Property.
The centerpiece of the temple is the Main Hall, which showcases the masterful use of reinforced concrete to express traditional Japanese motifs. This creates a stunning fusion of ancient style and modern materials. The Main Gate and Bell Tower also reflect the architectural styles of the early Taisho era, built with reinforced concrete. These structures serve as vital historical records of the technological evolution in Japanese modern architecture.
The intricate details of the reinforced concrete-modeled architecture are most clearly visible during bright daylight hours. While the temple's presence is striking in any season, please note that the facility may undergo temporary closures. It is highly recommended to check the latest opening status before your visit.
This site is a destination for those interested in architectural structure and historical context. It sits as a vital part of the historic landscape of the Motomachi area. Visitors can observe how traditional Japanese architectural details are masterfully translated into concrete, offering a unique perspective on structural design.
Located in the Motomachi area of Hakodate, the temple is surrounded by a scenic landscape of historic buildings, churches, and charming slopes. A typical sightseeing route involves walking through the historic streets of Motomachi while appreciating how the temple's unique structure harmonizes with the local environment.
Please observe basic temple etiquette during your visit. As there may be periods of temporary closure, please verify the current status in advance.