Hōsen-ji

Hōsen-ji is a Buddhist temple in Shinjuku featuring traditional wooden buildings arranged around landscaped gardens with stone pathways throughout the grounds. The complex includes a main hall, smaller worship areas, and quiet courtyards where visitors can walk among mature trees and carefully placed rocks.

The temple was founded in 810 during Japan's Heian period and stands among the oldest religious buildings in the Shinjuku district. It has survived more than 1200 years of Japanese history while adapting to changes across different eras.

The temple serves as a working place of worship where visitors can light incense and observe monks performing daily rituals. People come here to practice meditation and participate in seasonal religious ceremonies throughout the year.

The temple is accessible on foot from several subway stations in Shinjuku and clearly signposted along the way. The entrance sits back from the main streets in a quiet alley, offering a peaceful transition from the busy surrounding area.

Despite its ancient origins, this site remains largely unknown to most visitors despite being just minutes away from Shinjuku's busiest shopping streets. This obscurity makes it a rare retreat within the city's busy pace.