宝持院

Beneath the gaze of Mount Tsukuba, nestled in the heart of Ishioka, Ibaraki, stands Hōjuin Temple. Hōjuin is more than just a temple. It’s a whisper of history, a testament to centuries of devotion. The mountain gate of Hōjuin, a designated cultural property of Ibaraki Prefecture, welcomes us. Imagine its two-tiered structure. The lower level stretches 6.187 meters wide and the upper level, 5.228 meters. The roof, originally thatched, was replaced with copper plates in 1982. Look closely at the gate. It features the distinctive eight-legged style. Guarding the central pathway, statues of A-un, the Buddhist guardian deities, stand sentinel. Hōjuin’s history stretches back to 1711. During the reign of Emperor Nakamikado, in the 8th year of the Hōei era, the 11th abbot of the temple, Dōwa Shōnin, oversaw its construction. This places Hōjuin within the Chisan sect of the Shingon school of Buddhism, a lineage that emphasizes esoteric practices and the pursuit of enlightenment. The temple’s main object of worship is Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha, whose healing powers are revered throughout Japan. Hōjuin’s connection to the local community is evident in the numerous stone memorials scattered throughout its grounds. These offer glimpses into the lives and beliefs of those who sought solace and spiritual guidance within the temple’s embrace. The temple’s main hall houses a treasured statue of Yakushi Nyorai, carved with exquisite detail. Hōjuin’s grounds, spanning over 1,800 square meters, contain not only the main hall and mountain gate, but also a bell tower and a priests’ quarters. As you explore Hōjuin, take a moment to appreciate the tranquility that pervades this sacred space. It is a place where the whispers of history mingle with the gentle rustle of leaves, inviting contemplation and a deeper connection to the spiritual heart of Japan.