Overview
Hosen-ji is a temple of the Seizan Zenrin-ji branch of Jodo-shu Buddhism, located in Ikefu-cho, Tsushima City, Aichi Prefecture. Its mountain name is Hiryuzan, and its principal image is Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Buddha). As a branch temple of Zenrin-ji in Kyoto and the fourth stop on the Owari Twenty-Five Sacred Sites of Honen Shonin, it quietly preserves the teachings of the Pure Land tradition within the old streets of Tsushima, a town that flourished as the approach to Tsushima Shrine.
Highlights
- ●A quiet main hall of the Seizan Zenrin-ji branch enshrining Amida Nyorai
- ●The Hosen-ji Shoin, a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property from the former Hattori residence
- ●Its role as the fourth site of the Owari Twenty-Five Sacred Sites of Honen Shonin
- ●Grounds tied to the legend of the Benten pond that gave the district its name
History
Hosen-ji belongs to the Seizan Zenrin-ji branch of Jodo-shu, tracing its lineage to the head temple Zenrin-ji (Eikan-do) in Kyoto. The temple's shoin study hall, relocated from the former Hattori family residence, is registered as a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property under the name Hosen-ji Shoin, preserving the refined character of early-modern residential architecture. The temple is also counted as the fourth site on the Owari Twenty-Five Sacred Sites honoring Honen Shonin, founder of the Jodo-shu school. For details on its founding date and origins, please consult on-site guidance or official sources.
Access
The temple stands at 2 Ikefu-cho, Tsushima City, Aichi. The district name Ikefu-cho is a blended name combining Ike-no-do and Fuya-machi; Ike-no-do is said to derive from the Benten pond that once lay within the temple grounds. It sits among the old townscape leading toward Tsushima Shrine from Tsushima Station on the Meitetsu Tsushima Line. As the surrounding old quarter has narrow lanes, public transport is the easiest way to visit. Please check visiting hours and access in advance through official information.
Best season
The calm atmosphere of the temple town can be enjoyed year-round. Early summer, when Tsushima Shrine holds its Tenno Festival, and the clear air of autumn are especially pleasant for combining a visit with a stroll through Tsushima. Stay hydrated during the strong summer sun.
Map
35.1778, 136.7265 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Walk from Meitetsu Tsushima Station through the old temple-town lanes to Hosen-ji
- 2Pay respects to Amida Nyorai in the main hall and view the tranquil grounds
- 3Reflect on the registered shoin and the Benten pond behind the place name
- 4Continue to Tsushima Shrine to round off a historic town walk
Did you know?
💡 The Ike-no-do element in the place name Ikefu-cho is said to come from the Benten pond that once stood in Hosen-ji's grounds, a charming example of a temple and its locality sharing a name. The shoin, a National Registered Tangible Cultural Property, was originally the study hall of the Hattori family home, conveying a residential design distinct from typical temple architecture.
Nearby spots
Traveler reviews0
No reviews yet. Be the first to share!