Hōmyō-ji

Hōmyō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Minami-Ikebukuro with a grand main hall, ancestral hall, and stone lanterns across its grounds. A path lined with cherry trees runs through the temple, offering abundant blooms in spring.

The temple was founded in 810 as Ikō-ji of the Shingon sect and transformed into a Nichiren sect temple in 1312 under Nichigen's guidance. This shift marked a turning point that shaped the temple's spiritual direction for centuries to come.

The temple displays the Asagao-zuka monument with morning glory paintings by artist Sakai Hoitsu alongside carved poetry from Tobari Tomihisa. These works show how art and poetry have been honored together in this space for centuries.

The temple sits about 15 minutes on foot from JR Ikebukuro Station and opens daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission is free, and visitors can walk the grounds anytime during these hours without restrictions.

The temple bell displays rare measurement patterns including carpenter squares, abacuses, measuring boxes, and scales engraved on its surface. These working tools appear as symbols of the knowledge and skill needed to build the temple itself.