本法寺

Honpoji is a Buddhist temple in Toyama with multiple buildings connected by corridors that showcase traditional Japanese architecture and design. The complex includes a main gate, meditation hall, and various other structures that form a complete religious sanctuary.

The temple was founded in 1316 by Nichijun, a disciple of a priest who established the Hokke sect in the Hokuriku region. This founding reflects the expansion of this Buddhist school during the medieval period in northern Japan.

The temple holds a collection of 21 Lotus Sutra Mandala paintings that represent important works of religious art in Japan. Visitors can view these pieces and understand how they connect to the spiritual practices of the Hokke Buddhist tradition.

The temple is open daily to visitors and provides a calm space for walking and exploring its various buildings and grounds. Free parking is available on the grounds, though arriving early in the morning offers the most peaceful experience.

The grounds contain ancient red pine trees that have stood in this location for centuries and are recognized as natural monuments. These trees embody the long spiritual history of this place and create a tangible connection between nature and religious practice.