Hōdō-in

Hōdō-in is a Buddhist temple in Ota featuring curved roofs and traditional wooden post-and-lintel construction typical of Japanese sacred architecture. The complex includes several halls where religious ceremonies are held, with the main prayer hall serving as the focal point of the grounds.

The temple reflects the development of Buddhism in Japan after its arrival from China and Korea in the 6th century. Over time, the temple was adapted to meet the changing needs of religious ceremonies and spiritual practices.

The temple serves as a gathering place for the local community to practice Buddhism and participate in seasonal ceremonies throughout the year. Walking through the grounds, you can observe how the space is used for daily rituals and spiritual activities that connect people to their faith.

You can explore the grounds on foot, with the various halls connected by open walkways that are easy to navigate. Visit during daylight hours to see the temple's architectural details and the way natural light plays through the wooden structures.

The temple's name comes from Hōdō Sennin, a legendary traveling sage said to have flown through the air carrying an iron bowl. This ancient tale remains connected to the temple's identity and adds a layer of folklore to the site.