Honkō-ji

Honkō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Kota featuring buildings constructed in traditional Japanese style with wooden carvings showing Buddhist designs. The grounds are connected by stone pathways that link various halls and a large cemetery area.

The temple was founded in 1573 by Matsudaira Tadasada and served as the principal worship site for the Fukōzu-Matsudaira clan during the Edo period. This role made it a central place for the clan's spiritual and family life for centuries.

The cemetery here reflects the deep connection between the temple and the Fukōzu-Matsudaira clan, whose leaders were buried in this space over many generations. Walking through the graveyard gives visitors a sense of how this family shaped the area.

The grounds are best visited during summer months when the hydrangea bushes bloom and create a colorful display. Wearing comfortable walking shoes is advisable since stone pathways and uneven terrain cover the site.

Archaeological excavations in 2008 surprisingly uncovered a Bohemian crystal cup dating to 1599 beneath a fallen tombstone. This discovery reveals that the site had international trade connections during the Edo period.

Location: Kota

GPS coordinates: 35.18472,136.89944

Latest update: December 12, 2025 14:27