Hōsen-ji

Hōsen-ji is a Buddhist temple in Ibara featuring a traditional Japanese garden with trimmed shrubs, flowering trees, and moss-covered rocks set against a bamboo grove. The grounds include multiple structures for religious ceremonies, meditation spaces, and areas dedicated to Buddhist teachings.

The temple was shaped during the era of the Takeda clan, particularly through the influence of Takeda Katsuyori in the 16th century. This historical connection determined how the place developed and was valued over time.

The temple serves as a space where visitors experience the relationship between nature and spiritual practice in daily life. The carefully designed surroundings reflect Buddhist values that remain visible in how the place is used today.

The temple is most enjoyable during the warmer months when the gardens are in bloom and pathways are dry. Comfortable shoes are recommended since the grounds have uneven surfaces with different types of terrain.

A 700-year-old pine tree stands in the garden, supported by wooden structures that preserve its ancient branches for future generations. The careful maintenance of this tree shows how the temple protects and honors natural history.