Hokkeiji

Hokkeiji is a Buddhist temple in Imabari featuring traditional Japanese structures arranged across a spacious grounds designed for meditation and ceremonies. The complex includes several halls of varying sizes where daily religious activities take place.

The temple was established as part of the Kokubun-niji system, through which the government built Buddhist centers in each province during the Nara period. This institution helped spread and institutionalize Buddhism throughout the region.

Local worshippers come to the temple for prayers and religious celebrations, making it an active center of spiritual practice in the community. The monks share Buddhist teachings with visitors interested in learning about meditation and traditional practices.

The temple is accessible by local bus from Imabari Station, followed by a ten-minute walk through residential streets to reach the grounds. Visitors should be prepared for uneven terrain and wear suitable footwear.

The grounds house a collection of historical religious objects and ceremonial tools displayed in dedicated exhibition spaces for visitors. These items reveal the craftsmanship and ritual practices that have evolved over centuries.