Kanzan-ji, Buddhist temple in Nishi-ku, Hamamatsu, Japan
Kanzan-ji is a Buddhist temple situated on the northern shore of Lake Hamana, accessed by steep stone steps that lead to the main hall and water purification pavilion. The grounds spread up Mount Kanzan with walking paths offering views across the lake.
The temple was founded in 810 and later received major support from Tokugawa Ieyasu. Fires in the 12th and 14th centuries led to reconstructions that shaped its present form.
The Enmusubi Jizo statue draws visitors who leave wooden prayer tablets asking for help with relationships and marriages. This practice reflects how the temple serves as a place where people seek blessings for their personal connections.
The temple is reached on foot with a steep staircase to enter, so visitors should allow time to explore the grounds and take in the views. Warmer months can feel intense, so arriving early or visiting during cooler times works better.
Every December 15th, monks and visitors gather to walk across burning coals after chanting Buddhist sutras in a fire-walking ceremony held at the temple. This ritual offers a direct connection between spiritual practice and physical experience that stays with many who attend.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
