Hōnen-in, Buddhist temple in Sakyo-ku, Japan
Hōnen-in is a Buddhist temple in Sakyō-ku with a thatched entrance gate and geometric sand constructions near the approach. A stone path crosses a small pond surrounded by moss and low vegetation.
The temple was established in 1680 to honor Hōnen, who founded the Jōdo-shū school in the 12th century. His teaching emphasized simpler paths to faith and reached wide segments of Japanese society.
The cemetery grounds hold the resting places of figures such as economist Kawakami Hajime and writer Tanizaki Junichiro. Visitors often walk through the entrance gate to these graves and experience the quiet layout of the burial area.
The buildings open only twice per year in spring and autumn, while the garden and outdoor areas remain accessible throughout the year. The path from the gate to the main area follows natural ground that can become slippery after rain.
Monks reshape two raised rectangular sand gardens weekly with rakes to represent the changing seasons. These areas are called Byakusadan and stand right after passing through the thatched gate.
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