法蔵寺

Overview

Hōzō-ji is a temple of the Jōdo (Pure Land) sect in Nakahashi, Ama, Aichi Prefecture. It stands quietly in a corner of Ama, spread across the farmland of the Nōbi Plain west of Nagoya, and has long been cherished as a nembutsu temple woven into the lives of the local people. Not a flashy sightseeing spot, it is a place where you can feel the gentle faith of the Pure Land tradition amid the calm townscape of the plain.

Highlights

• ●A Jōdo-sect temple standing quietly in the farmland of the Nōbi Plain
• ●A faith carrying on the nembutsu salvation through Amida Nyorai
• ●A calm plain setting in Nakahashi, Ama, west of Nagoya
• ●Grounds where you can feel the nembutsu apart from tourist bustle

History

Hōzō-ji belongs to the Jōdo sect and has carried on the nembutsu teaching that seeks salvation through Amida Nyorai. Nakahashi in Ama, where it stands, opened up on the low ground of the Nōbi Plain shaped by the three rivers of the Kiso, and the temple is thought to have served as a center of faith for a community blessed with water and rice fields. For details of its founding date and history, it is best to consult official sources.

Map

35.2057, 136.7810 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Enter the grounds through the gate and feel the stillness of the plain
2. 2Offer a prayer before Amida Nyorai in the main hall
3. 3Walk the grounds and take in the calm mood of the Pure Land tradition
4. 4Stroll on through the farmland and streets of surrounding Ama

Did you know?

💡 The Jōdo sect was founded by the priest Hōnen, who taught that anyone may be saved through the nembutsu, chanting the name of Amida Nyorai. This temple in Nakahashi has carried that approachable teaching into the local community.

Nearby spots