一向寺

Ikkoji is a Buddhist temple near the Tagawa River in Utsunomiya that houses a three-and-a-half meter tall copper Buddha statue positioned on a stone shrine in the open air. The temple grounds are carefully arranged to create a serene setting for visitors.

The copper Buddha was created in 1735 when a local priest raised funds by selling soybeans. This unusual financing method made the creation of the statue possible.

The temple features a traditional Japanese garden with raked gravel patterns and stone lanterns that reflect Buddhist design principles.

The temple is reachable by a short walk of about ten minutes from JR Utsunomiya Station. It maintains regular visiting hours throughout the year.

A carved wooden dragon decorates the underside of the main worship hall's roof eaves and demonstrates precise craftsmanship in architectural details. This carefully crafted decoration is often overlooked despite being a remarkable artistic accomplishment.

Location: Utsunomiya

GPS coordinates: 36.55464,139.87431

Latest update: December 12, 2025 16:43