Hōkō-ji, Buddhist temple in Hamamatsu, Japan
Hōkō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Hamana-ku featuring a main hall, founder's hall, and a three-story pagoda among other structures. The complex showcases traditional Japanese temple architecture spread across its grounds.
The site was established in 1371 by Mumon Gensen, a son of Emperor Go-Daigo, and named after a Chinese temple due to landscape similarities. These origins continue to shape the character of this place.
The temple holds regular Zen meditation sessions, calligraphy practices, and Buddhist vegetarian cuisine experiences for visitors seeking traditional Japanese spiritual practices.
Visitors should check opening hours before visiting and wear comfortable footwear, as the grounds contain multiple pathways and transitions. Early morning visits offer more peaceful exploration of the site.
The temple grounds contain over 500 stone Rakan statues lining the pathways that visitors encounter during their walk. Some of these statues are touched by visitors and left with personal wishes, creating a timeless tradition.
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