Hōkongō-in, Buddhist temple in Hanazono, Kyoto, Japan.
Hōkongō-in is a Buddhist temple in Hanazono, Kyoto, built around a large pond garden with waterfalls and bridges following Pure Land Buddhist principles. The grounds feature carefully arranged stone formations and natural elements that work together to create a harmonious whole.
Founded in 1130 by Fujiwara no Tamako, the temple went through several transformations from its original form as Sōkyō-ji to its present state. These changes reflect shifts in Buddhist understanding and artistic styles across different periods.
The temple holds several artworks from the Kamakura period, including a seated Amida Buddha statue and an eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva that remain central to worship here. These sculptures show how Buddhist practice has remained rooted in this place over centuries.
The temple is open to visitors during daylight hours, with the best time to visit on sunny days when light enhances the water features and stone arrangements. Sturdy footwear is recommended since paths cross bridges and wind through the garden.
The garden centers on the Aoonna Falls, created by monks Riken and Jōi using massive rocks arranged in a special formation that produces distinctive water patterns. This arrangement reveals the skilled stonework that brings the whole design together.
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