Hōraku-ji

Hōraku-ji is a Buddhist temple in Kamikawa featuring traditional thatched roofs and wooden structures arranged around its grounds. The main complex includes a primary hall and a San-mon gate that form a typical Japanese temple layout.

Construction of the temple began in 1661 and continued through 1672, marking its origins in the Edo period. The main hall was added in 1762 and the San-mon gate was completed in 1838, showing how the complex developed over time.

The temple houses burial grounds for the Fukumoto Clan, a family with ties to the Ikeda lords who held power during the early Edo period. Visitors can observe how this place served as a spiritual center for local nobility.

The temple requires regular maintenance work, particularly on its thatched roofs which need renewal every 20 to 30 years. Local craftspeople use specialized techniques and materials from the region to preserve these traditional features.

The temple preserves ancient thatching methods that trace back to early Japanese construction practices still used today. This craft tradition demonstrates how historical knowledge continues to guide maintenance and restoration work at the site.