Overview
Kaizō-ji is a Sōtō Zen Buddhist temple in Okijuku-cho, Tsuchiura City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Bearing the mountain name Hōjuzan, it stands quietly in the rural countryside near the shore of Lake Kasumigaura. It is not a flashy tourist site, but its plain, calm precincts reflect the austere spirit of Sōtō Zen and make it a fitting stop during a journey through this lakeside water country.
Highlights
- ●Plain, calm Zen precincts in the Sōtō tradition
- ●A local temple bearing the mountain name Hōjuzan
- ●A quiet setting in the fields west of Lake Kasumigaura
- ●A convenient stop while touring the Tsuchiura water country
History
The Sōtō school, founded by Dōgen, is a branch of Zen Buddhism that places great value on seated meditation (zazen). Hōjuzan Kaizō-ji belongs to this tradition and has long served as a local temple gathering the faith of parishioners in the Okijuku district of Tsuchiura. For the details of its founding, it is best to consult temple records or official information, but its setting shows a temple that has walked alongside the villages along Lake Kasumigaura.
Access
The temple sits on the western shore of Lake Kasumigaura in Okijuku-cho, Tsuchiura. Its coordinates are around 36.07°N, 140.25°E, and it is most easily reached by car from central Tsuchiura along the lake. Public transport is limited, so please check official information in advance regarding visiting access and parking.
Best season
The fresh green of early summer and the clear air of autumn are ideal for a quiet visit. As nearby Lake Kasumigaura changes its face with the seasons, pairing the temple with a lakeside stroll lets you enjoy the waterside scenery so characteristic of Tsuchiura.
Map
36.0724, 140.2527 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Head from central Tsuchiura along the lake to Okijuku-cho
- 2Visit Kaizō-ji and take in the still air of the Zen temple
- 3Stroll along the nearby shore of Lake Kasumigaura
- 4Enjoy Tsuchiura's waterside views before heading home
Did you know?
💡 The name Kaizō-ji is found in several places across Japan, but this one is a Sōtō Zen temple in Okijuku, Tsuchiura, with the mountain name Hōjuzan. It is a different temple from the well-known Kaizō-ji in Kamakura, Kanagawa, so use the location 'Tsuchiura City' as your guide when looking it up.
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