Hōon'in

Hōon'in is a Buddhist temple featuring wooden buildings arranged within traditional Japanese gardens in Chūō-ku. The structures and grounds display the architectural and landscaping principles characteristic of Japanese Buddhist temple design.

This temple forms part of the Kinki Thirty-six Fudoson Sacred Ground, a network of religious sites with a long history in Japanese Buddhism. Its place within this pilgrimage route connects it to centuries of devotional practice across the region.

The resident monks prepare and serve vegetarian meals according to Buddhist culinary principles that have been maintained here for centuries. These shared meals form part of the daily rhythm and reflect the values the community lives by.

The facility accepts only cash payments and offers basic rooms with shared bathrooms, so advance planning is important for overnight stays. You should arrange your visit ahead of time to confirm availability.

Guests can join the morning prayer services led by resident monks, experiencing Buddhist practices as they are actually performed in this setting. This direct participation offers a rare glimpse into the daily monastic life.