Houtokuji temple [宝徳寺]
Houtokuji temple
Japanese garden of Houtokuji
Houtokuji is a small Zen-Buddhist temple and is located at the foot of the mountain in the north of Kiryu city.
The temple was established by the lord of Kiryu area in the 1450s.
It was built near the castle of the area.
So, after the lord was defeated the battle in 1573, the temple and the castle had been ruined.
But, the temple was restored by the local community in the 17th century.
The current chief priest has constructed the Japanese garden and some artistic facilities since 2000.
Therefore, this temple has become an popular Instagrammable spot in Gunma Prefecture.
There is a main temple, and a Japanese garden is in front of it.
The Japanese garden is a "Karesansui" that some rocks are dotted on the bed of sand.
Yukamomiji in spring
Yukamomiji in autumn
In spring and autumn, the floor in the main temple becomes the board of black lacquer.
It reflects the maple leaves around the garden beautifully.
The events for a limited time are called Yukamomiji (Maple-leaves on the floor).
In spring, fresh green leaves are seen from mid-April to mid-May.
In Autumn, the changing autumn leaves are seen from mid-October to early December.
Fûrin Matsuri in summer
Jizo statues along Jizo Path
In summer, Fûrin Matsuri (Wind Chime Festival) is held from mid-July to mid-September.
Fûrin is small, bowl-shaped Japanese wind chime.
It is hung in summer and it rings sweetly with just a slight breeze.
So, by the sound, people feel a coolness.
Countless Fûrins are hang like a tunnel along the path in the period.
In addition, there is "Jizo Path" around the temple.
Jizo is a statue of training god to achieve enlightenment and has been set up along the road mainly.
In this temple, many Jizo statues like modern art are set up.
How to get here
By Joetsu-shinkansen, about 50 to 60 minutes from Tokyo to Takasaki.
Change to the train of JR Ryomo Line for Oyama, and get off at Kiryu station.
About 50 minutes from Takasaki.
By route bus (Kawauchi Line), 20 to 40 minutes to Houtokuji-iriguchi.