About the Treasure Hall
The Treasure Hall is located within a Buddhist temple founded in 766 (Tenpyō-Jingo 2). With a history spanning over 1200 years, it is known as an ancient temple possessing a treasure hall housing valuable Buddhist art and ancient documents, as well as a Japanese garden built in the mid-Edo period.
Highlights
Collections of the Treasure Hall
The temple’s treasure hall houses valuable cultural artifacts, including Buddhist statues, scriptures, and illustrated scrolls from the Heian to Kamakura periods. The wooden standing statue of Kannon Bodhisattva (late Heian period), designated as an Important Cultural Property, is a must-see.
- Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM (Last entry 4:00 PM)
- Admission Fee: Adults 500 yen, Junior/Senior High School Students 300 yen, Elementary School Students 200 yen
- Closed Days: Mondays (or the following day if Monday is a public holiday)
Edo Period Japanese Garden
The Japanese garden on the temple grounds is a pond-centered strolling garden created in the mid-Edo period (around 1720). On a site of approximately 3,000 tsubo (about 10,000 square meters), the stone arrangements surrounding the central heart-shaped pond, seasonal flowers, and pine trees over 300 years old harmonize beautifully.
You can enjoy different expressions with each season: cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery in early summer, and autumn leaves.
Points to Note When Visiting
Recommended Visiting Route
- Main Gate: First, bow at the main gate before entering the temple grounds.
- Main Hall: Pay respects to the principal image, Yakushi Nyorai (approximately 10 minutes).
- Treasure Hall: Carefully admire the collection (approximately 30 minutes).
- Japanese Garden: Stroll around the pond (approximately 20 minutes).
- Tea Room: Enjoy a cup of matcha tea and Japanese sweets (additional 500 yen, approximately 15 minutes).
Please allow approximately 1 to 1.5 hours for the entire visit.
Notes for Visitors
- Photography is prohibited inside the Treasure Hall.
- Photography is permitted in the Japanese Garden, but the use of tripods is prohibited.
- Please be quiet inside the Main Hall.
- Please be careful not to touch the plants in the garden.
Best Season
- Spring (Early to Mid-April): The cherry blossoms in the temple grounds are in full bloom. The weeping cherry trees are especially magnificent.
- Autumn (Mid to Late November): The autumn leaves are at their peak. The maple trees in the garden turn red.
- Summer (July): Lotus flowers bloom in the pond, creating a refreshing atmosphere.
Benefits
Main Benefits
The principal image of the Treasure Hall, Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha), is known for its benefits of healing from illness and health and longevity.
- Healing from Illness: Yakushi Nyorai (Medicine Buddha) is worshipped as the Buddha of medicine.
- Academic Success: The Monju Hall on the temple grounds enshrines Monju Bosatsu (Manjushri), the Buddha of wisdom.
- Fulfillment of Wishes: The wish-granting Jizo statue in front of the main hall is believed to grant the fulfillment of all wishes.
Items Available
- Health Amulet: 800 yen (Protection of Yakushi Nyorai)
- Academic Success Amulet: 700 yen (Protection of Monju Bosatsu)
- Goshuin (Temple Seal): 300 yen (Two types: Main Hall and Treasure Hall)
Access
Access by Train
- Get off at △△ Station on the JR ○○ Line: 15-minute walk
- Get off at ◇◇ Station on the Private Railway □□ Line: 12-minute walk
- Take a bus from the station: Get off at the “Treasure Hall” bus stop (approximately 5 minutes, fare 200 yen).
Access by Car
- Expressway: Approximately 20 minutes from ○○ IC
- Parking: Free parking available on the temple grounds (30 spaces for regular cars, 5 spaces for large buses)
- Parking Hours: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Nearby Facilities
Several restaurants and souvenir shops are within walking distance. Please feel free to use them for a rest after your visit.
Basic Information
- Location: 1-2-3, □□-cho, △△-shi, ○○-ken, XXX-XXXX
- Visiting Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last entry 4:30 PM)
- Admission Fee: Free entry to the grounds; Treasure Hall requires an additional 500 yen
- Closed Days: None (Treasure Hall is closed on Mondays)
- Phone: 0XX-XXXX-XXXX
- Official Website: https://www.homotsuden-temple.example.jp
