Sights
Iyama Hofukuji Temple
Soja City
Experience “Zen,” the heart of traditional Japanese culture
Iyama Hofukuji Temple was built in 1232 as a Zen temple. The temple is famous as the childhood training grounds for the painter Sesshu—the most prominent Japanese master of ink wash painting, which employs shading from a single-color inkstick. A popular attraction at the temple is the Buddhist practice of zazen, where worshippers sit in meditation for spiritual unity. Visitors can join early morning zazen sessions on the second Sunday of every month with no reservations required, and tea and sweets provided after the meditation offer a chance to experience the hospitality of Japanese culture. The temple’s fresh green of spring and vibrant foliage in autumn also make for beautiful sights.
Basic information
- Address
- 1968, Ijirino, Soja City, Okayama Prefecture
- Access
- 10 min by taxi from JR Soja Sta.
- Business Hours
- 5:00am – 5:00pm
- Admission
- Free to visit with seated meditation available for a fee
- Website
- http://iyama-hofukuji.jp/(Japanese)