Handō-ji

Handō-ji is a Buddhist temple at the base of Mount Hando-san with traditional Japanese structures, religious statues from multiple periods, and meditation spaces. The grounds include various buildings and artworks that together create a full sense of temple architecture and layout.

The temple was founded in the Heian period and accumulated numerous Buddhist statues and artworks over centuries. These layers from different eras document how the site was repeatedly renewed and expanded.

The temple community continues Tendai Buddhist practices that visitors can observe during regular ceremonies and daily rituals on the grounds. These living traditions connect the spaces with a spiritual presence that goes beyond historical relics.

The grounds are walkable at your own pace, with paths leading through different areas that let you explore without time pressure. For deeper understanding of specific sites, gathering local information beforehand or asking on arrival is helpful.

The site preserves connections to the local ninja heritage of the region, with nearby shrines that historically served as gathering points. This link between spiritual practice and the region's hidden warrior legacy adds a layer to understanding its local significance.