History of Hotokuji Temple
Hotokuji Temple is a Zen temple built around 1450 to protect Kiryu Castle.This temple was built to prevent enemies from invading Kiryu Castle, and this location was chosen for its advantageous defensive position.
Visiting Hours: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (open year-round)
No charge for entrance (Usually): During the events, an entrance fee is charged.
Karesansui (rock garden)
A rock garden is a garden that expresses the beauty of nature using stones and sand without using water. This garden which benefits from the scenery of mountains represents the crane, turtle, and Mount Horai, wishing for longevity and good fortune. The mountain in the back right represents Mount Horai, the mountain of the gods, the crane in the back left symbolizes longevity, and the turtle in the front right. The island in the foreground represents the world of troubles we are in.
Jizo Path
There are many Jizo statues on the Jizo path in the precincts.There are more than 50 Jizo statues, including Nade Jizo, Hohoemi Jizo, Yorokobi Jizo, and Shiawase Jizo, that gently welcome visitors.
Hotokuji Temple in Spring
Yukamomiji Special Public Open in Spring (mid-April to mid-May)
Appreciate Fresh new greenery, "Yukamomiji in Spring".
The brightness of young leaves reflected on the polished floor is breathtakingly beautiful.Please enjoy the flower paradise with hundreds of botan flowers blooming in the precincts of the temple.
We also hold the "Pinwheels Happiness Prayer" with 4,500 pinwheels decorated in the precincts of the temple to pray for a variety of good fortune.
★4,500 pinwheels
★500 carp streamers
★50 Jizo statues with hats on their heads
★Yukamomiji special open to the public
Dates: April/May 15, 2023 (Sat) - May 14, 2023 (Sun)
Visiting Hours: 9:00-16:00
Closing time: 16:30
Entrance fee: 800 yen, free for high school students and younger
Parking: Free
Hotokuji Temple in Summer
Wind Chime Festival (mid-July to mid-September)
Since ancient times, Japanese people have prayed to the gods and Buddha by ringing wind chimes.The Hotokuji Temple Wind Chime Festival is an event where people write their wishes on strips of paper and walk through a tunnel of 3,000 wind chimes to make their wishes come true.
2023 Wind Chime Festival "Feel the Coolness"
Dates: July 22 (Sat) - Monday, September 18 (Mon, national holiday)
Visiting Hours: 9:00 - 16:30 (closing at 17:00)
Entrance fee: Adults 500 yen, including tanzaku (The paper strip for wind chime prayer)
Free for high school students and younger
Parking: Free
2023 Yukamomiji Special Public Open in Summer "Feel the Coolness"
Date: July 22 (Sat) - September 18 (Mon, national holiday)
※Note: Yukamomiji is closed to the public during the Bon vacation period.
Closed: August 12 (Sat) - August 16 (Wed)
Visiting Hours: 9:00 - 16:30 (closing at 17:00)
Entrance fee: Adults 300 yen (additional fee)
Free for high school students and younger
Parking: Free
Dates designated for lighting up
Dates: Designated dates in September
September 2 (Sat), 3 (Sun), 9 (Sat), 10 (Sun), 16 (Sat), 17 (Sun), 18 (Mon, national holiday)
18:30 - 21:00, closing at 21:30
Entrance fee: 1200 yen, Free for high school students and younger, including tanzaku (The paper strip for wind chime prayer)
※If you'd like to buy tanzaku (The paper strip for wind chime prayer), 200 yen per strip.
※No appointment is required, so please come directly to the office.
Hotokuji Temple in Autumn
Yukamomiji Special Public Open in Autumn
Yukamomiji Special Public Open in Autumn (Mid-October to late November)
In mid-November, more than 100 maple trees in the precincts turn red and yellow, and are at their best.The red and yellow maple leaves reflect on the floor, making the "Autumn Yukamomiji" even more vivid.At night, lights are turned on to create a fantastic atmosphere that differs from that of the daytime.
■2023 Yukamomiji Special Public Open in Autumn
Dates: October 20 (Fri) - December 3 (Sun)
Visiting Hours: 9:00 - 16:00 (closing at 16:30)
Entrance fee: Adults 800 yen in October, Adults 1,200 yen in November
Free for high school students and younger
Parking: Free
Lighting up the precincts of the temple
Dates: November 11 (Sat) -December 3 (Sun
Visiting Hours: 17:00 - 20:00 (closing at 20:30)
Entrance fee: Adults 1,200 yen, Free for high school students and younger
Parking: Free
※No appointment is required, so please come directly to the office.
Please note that the temple may be crowded between 17:00 and 17:30. We recommend that you visit the temple avoiding those hours.
other
Good Luck Charms
Good luck charms are symbolic representations of people's wishes for good luck and protection from bad luck.There are various charms for health, sound legs and feet, academic achievement, financial fortune, good marriage, and traffic safety.
Omikuji (fortune slip)
Houtokuji Temple has more than a dozen types of omikuji. The omikuji are messages from the gods and Buddha to guide you in the future.
Goshuin (The Stamp Book)
Goshuin are a sign of worship as well as a reminder of your trip.Hotokuji Temple has a wide variety of Goshuin, including monthly specials and those with illustrations.We hope you will find it one of the pleasures of your visit to Hotokuji Temple.
Access Map
Tobu Railway
Tobu Limited Express RYOMO (1 hour and 42 minutes) Asakusa Station → Aioi Station or Akagi Station
10-15 minutes by cab from each station
JR Ryomo Line
Tohoku Shinkansen Oyama Station → Kiryu Station 55 min
Joetsu Shinkansen Takasaki Station → Kiryu Station 45 min.
BUS KIRYU ORIHIME-BUS
Approximately 20-25 minutes from Kiryu Station North Exit
Take the bus bound for "Nakuki" and get off at the former Kawauchi-Kita Elementary School (bus stop).
Take the bus bound for "Fukiage", and get off at Houtokuji Temple Entrance (bus stop).
