Jōdo-ji

Jōdo-ji is a Buddhist temple in Ono that houses a large wooden hall built in the Daibutsu architectural style. Inside stands a golden statue group with the Amida Buddha and two attendant figures, which together reach more than five meters in height.

Chōgen founded this site in 1190 and moved the older Hiroto-ji temple here, giving it a new name. The main hall was completed shortly after and is considered one of the earliest examples of this building style in Japan.

The name Jōdo means Pure Land and refers to the Buddhist idea of a paradise where believers go after death. Visitors today see the large statue group inside the hall, which represents this spiritual world.

The grounds open at nine in the morning and close in the late afternoon, with slightly shorter hours in winter. Access leads through a gate, from where visitors can reach the main hall.

Around the hall grow thousands of hydrangeas in different colors, which bloom in early summer. These plants turn the paths around the temple grounds into a sea of blue, purple and pink flowers.

Location: Ono

Inception: 1190

Part of: Shin-Shikoku Mandara Pilgrimage

Address: 兵庫県小野市浄谷町2094

Website: https://ono-navi.jp/spot/463

GPS coordinates: 34.86420,134.96100

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:26