A Vast Temple Complex Spanning Approximately 60,000 Tsubo
The grounds of Housuiji Temple cover approximately 60,000 tsubo, equivalent to roughly 198,000 square meters, and construction is said to have cost around 5 billion yen. The enormous temple complex appears along the prefectural road leading toward Ikaho Onsen, welcoming visitors with its impressive scale and elaborate architecture.
The buildings are arranged along the mountain slope, while the approach and temple structures feature decorative elements inspired by Chinese and Taiwanese Buddhist architecture. The combination of magnificent buildings and the surrounding mountain landscape creates a distinctive atmosphere found nowhere else in the area.
Visitors of all Buddhist traditions and backgrounds are welcome, and admission is free. This makes the temple an accessible place to experience Taiwanese Buddhist culture in Japan.
A Grand Panorama from the 238 Stone Steps
Upon entering the grounds, visitors first encounter 238 stone steps leading toward the main gate. Small, charming stone statues of young Buddhist monks line parts of the staircase, adding a welcoming touch to the long climb.
After reaching the top, turn around to look back across the landscape. The city of Shibukawa spreads out below, with the majestic form of Mount Akagi visible in the distance.
On clear days, the blue sky and surrounding mountains create a beautiful panoramic scene. The viewpoint is well worth pausing to enjoy during a visit to the temple.
The Magnificent Main Hall, Daixiong Baodian
The centerpiece of the temple complex is the main hall, known as Daixiong Baodian. Inside, a striking white statue of Shakyamuni Buddha is enshrined.
The Buddha statue was carved from a single block of white stone from Myanmar and has a commanding presence inside the hall. When viewed from the main gate, the statue can sometimes appear to glow golden in the sunlight, creating a particularly impressive sight.
The interior also features walls carved with approximately 20,000 Buddhist figures, as well as richly decorated ceiling paintings. The hall is therefore notable not only for its architecture but also for its Buddhist art.
Jihi Hoden and Its Three-Dimensional Dunhuang Artwork
Another highlight of the complex is Jihi Hoden, or the Hall of Compassion. The hall enshrines the Eleven-Faced Thousand-Armed Kannon, a Buddhist deity associated with compassion.
The statue was recreated three-dimensionally by Taiwanese artists based on murals from the Mogao Caves at Dunhuang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in China. The statue’s many arms are intricately crafted, allowing visitors to appreciate the fine details up close.
Eyes are depicted on the palms of the hands, symbolizing the Buddhist concept of compassion: seeing the suffering of people everywhere and reaching out to save them.
Zen Meditation and Sutra Copying
Housuiji Temple offers opportunities not only to explore its buildings but also to experience aspects of Buddhist practice. The complex has a sutra-copying hall and a Zen meditation hall, where visitors can participate in sutra copying or seated meditation with advance reservations.
Zen Meditation
During Zen meditation, participants sit quietly and focus on their breathing while calming the mind. It provides an opportunity to step away from the busyness of everyday life and spend some quiet time reflecting inwardly.
Breathing deeply in the peaceful surroundings of the temple can offer a calm experience quite different from ordinary sightseeing.
Sutra Copying
Sutra copying is a Buddhist practice in which participants carefully write Buddhist scriptures one character at a time. Concentrating on each brushstroke can help set aside distractions and create a quiet opportunity for self-reflection.
For travelers looking for a different way to experience a Buddhist temple, sutra copying in the serene surroundings of Housuiji Temple provides a memorable cultural experience.
Taiwanese Vegetarian Cuisine at Dishuifang
After exploring the temple grounds, visitors can stop at Dishuifang, a Taiwanese-style vegetarian café located within the complex.
The café serves dishes made without meat or fish, including a vegetarian minced-meat rice bowl inspired by Taiwanese lu rou fan, a vegetarian burger made with plant-based meat, and gua bao, a popular Taiwanese street food.
The drinks and desserts are also worth trying, including bubble milk tea and Taiwanese-style glutinous rice dumplings called tangyuan.
Large windows provide views of the surrounding mountains, allowing guests to enjoy Taiwanese-inspired food while taking in the natural scenery. It is a relaxing place to take a break after visiting the temple.
Hsing Yun Memorial Park and Seasonal Flowers
The temple grounds also include Hsing Yun Memorial Park, which commemorates the founder of Fo Guang Shan. A stone statue of Master Hsing Yun stands in the park, while stone monuments inscribed with Zen teachings are arranged around a pond.
The quiet park provides a peaceful setting for a stroll and an opportunity to reflect on Buddhist philosophy.
The grounds are also known for their seasonal flowers. Plum blossoms bloom in March, cherry blossoms in April, peonies in May, and hydrangeas in June, offering a different landscape with each season.
Access
Housuiji Temple is approximately 10 minutes by car from the center of Ikaho Onsen. By car, it takes approximately 30 minutes from the Shibukawa-Ikaho Interchange on the Kan-Etsu Expressway.
By public transportation, take a bus from JR Shibukawa Station. The journey takes approximately 20 minutes. Get off at the Fo Guang Shan-mae bus stop, followed by a walk of about 7 minutes.
A large free parking area is available, making the temple convenient to visit by car or sightseeing bus.
A Temple Where Taiwanese Culture and Nature Meet in Ikaho
Fo Guang Shan Housuiji Temple is a unique cultural attraction where visitors can experience the magnificent architecture of a Taiwanese Buddhist temple together with the natural beauty of Ikaho’s mountains.
Highlights include the panoramic view from the 238 stone steps, the Buddhist art of Daixiong Baodian and Jihi Hoden, gardens filled with seasonal flowers, Zen meditation and sutra-copying experiences, and Taiwanese vegetarian cuisine.
When visiting Ikaho Onsen, consider adding Housuiji Temple to your itinerary for a peaceful mountain experience and a distinctive taste of Taiwanese Buddhist culture beyond the traditional atmosphere of the hot-spring town.