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Soun-ji is a prestigious temple of the Rinzai Obaku sect located in Hakone Yumoto, Hakone Town, Kanagawa Prefecture. It served as the family temple for the Hojo clan, the famous lords of Odawara Castle, and its history is deeply intertwined with the development of Hakone Yumoto as a temple town. The temple grounds offer a serene atmosphere, featuring precious cultural assets that preserve the essence of the Sengoku (Warring States) period and a breathtaking dry landscape (Karesansui) garden.
The history of Soun-ji dates back to 1521. It was established by Hojo Ujituna, the son of the first head, Hojo Soun, following his father's final wishes. The temple faced significant hardships, including near-destruction during Toyotomi Hideyoshi's siege of Odawara in 1590, but it was successfully restored in 1627 by the monk Kikkei. More than just a religious site, Soun-ji has stood as a symbol of the Hojo clan's legacy and has walked hand-in-hand with the local community for centuries.
The temple grounds house numerous precious cultural assets. A standout feature is the Zen dry landscape garden, believed to be designed by Hojo Nagatsuna (also known as Gen'an), a prominent cultural figure of the Sengoku period. Visitors can also admire the "Hojo Soun Portrait," a National Important Cultural Property, along with other historical paintings and ancient bells that tell the story of the Hojo clan. Near the Sanmon gate, there is a large, ancient bell tower; the bell itself is said to have been used in connection with the