Hōjō-in, Buddhist temple near Uji Bridge, Japan
Hōjō-in is a Buddhist temple in Uji with a main hall housing a 1.9-meter statue of Jizō Bodhisattva, recognized as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. The grounds also contain a Thirteen-Story Stone Pagoda that rises impressively across the outdoor areas.
The temple was founded in 604 to protect and oversee the newly constructed Uji Bridge. This marked the beginning of a long connection between the temple and this important crossing.
The temple remains closely tied to Uji Bridge in the minds of local people and visitors, shaping how the space is experienced. This connection to the bridge is reflected in the alternative name Hashidera, which travelers often learn about during their visit.
Visitors should understand that the grounds may have access restrictions for certain areas to protect the historical objects. Bringing comfortable shoes is helpful, as exploring the full temple and its outdoor areas requires walking.
The temple historically received a generous land grant from Emperor Go-Uda, underlining its important standing. This imperial support is rarely documented and often not the first thing visitors learn about the place.
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