Hokkeji Temple

Published on : 24/10/2015
by : Japan Experience

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Hokkeji Temple in Nara was converted into a nunnery in 782 by the Empress Komyo (701-760) on the grounds of the residence of her father, Fujiwara Fubito.

History of Hokkeji Temple
Hokkeji Temple Buildings
Access - Getting To Nara
Japan Temples & Shrines

Hokkeji Temple 法華寺

Hokkeji Temple, is located to the east of the Heijo Palace Site in Nara, close to Kairyuoji Temple in a delightfully peaceful part of the city.

Hokkeji Temple was converted into a nunnery in 782 by the Empress Komyo (701-760) on the grounds of the residence of her father, Fujiwara Fubito. The temple was originally meant for prayers for her father's repose.

An ardent follower of Buddhism, the Empress Komyo had previously been responsible for the building of the five-storied pagoda at Kofukuji. Her husband, the Emperor Shomu (701-756) was the man behind the creation of the great Todaiji Temple in Nara Park.

When first completed, Hokkeji was much larger, with two pagodas, many halls and two gates. Now the temple has a much more rural and intimate feel.

Hokkeji Temple, Nara, Japan. Hokkeji Temple, Nara

History of Hokkeji Temple

Hokkeji Temple was founded to serve as the chief nunnery of the new religion of Buddhism in Japan.

The temple was severely damaged by conflict in 1180 and again during the Sengoku Period (1467-1603). The buildings we see today date from the 16th century when the temple was repaired with financial help from Toyotomi Hideyoshi and his mother Lady Yodo in 1601.

Hokkeji Temple, Nara, Japan. Reconstructed Bath House, Hokkeji Temple, Nara
Thatched Edo Period Farm House, Hokkeji Temple, Nara

Hokkeji Temple Buildings

The Main Hall (Hondo) of Hokkeji Temple houses two National Treasures. One is an eleven-headed statue of Kannon surrounded by the four Shitenno (the Four Heavenly Kings or devas). The sandalwood image is believed to show the face of the Empress Komyo and to have been carved by a sculptor from India. The lovely scent of the wood is still present in the room. It is on display in spring and fall only.

Another noteworthy statue and National Treasure in the Main Hall is that of Yuima-koji (Vimalakirti), a wealthy patron of the historical Buddha, carved from wood. Considered one of the finest of its type in Japan, it was designated a National Treasure in 2017.

The Hondo also contains three large heads of statues that are again thought to date from the 8th century.

The grounds of the temple contain the main or south gate (Nan-mon) and belfry, both completed in 1601, thanks to the beneficence of Hideyoshi. A small pond stands between the bell tower and the Hondo.

The reconstructed bath house is a copy of the original that was established to serve the sick and poor as part of the Empress Komyo's charitable works at Hokkeji.

The small Momoyama Period garden is said to recall the gardens of the Imperial Palace (Gosho) in Kyoto. It has a small pond and stone bridge and is beautiful in May when its irises are in full bloom. The various plants and flowers are all neatly labeled with wooden signs.

An Edo Period farm house with a thatched roof also stands in the grounds and was transported here in 1961.

Hokkeji (hokkeji-nara.jp)
Nakamachi 882
Nara
630-8001
Tel: 0742 33 2261
Hours: 9 am-5 pm

Admission: 500 yen.

Hokkeji sells small dog charms which relate back to such charms made by the Empress Komyo said to help women in childbirth and protect from evil.

Hokkeji is west of JR Nara Station and Kintetsu Nara Station and the easiest way to reach the temple is to take a number #12 or #14 Nara bus from either station. Yamato-Saidaiji Station is about two kilometers to the west also on the #12 or #14 bus route.

Hokkeji Temple, Nara, Japan. Hokkeji Temple, Nara

Access - how to get to Nara

Air

Airport limousine services to Kansai International Airport and Itami Airport or JR train and change at Tennoji Station in Osaka.

Rail

Access to Osaka on JR West (about 45 minutes on the express) or Kintetsu Line from Namba and Tsuruhashi. Access to Kyoto on either Kintetsu Railways (35 minutes on the Super Express Tokyu) or JR West (40 minutes on the Miyakojima Express).

Bus

There are overnight bus services to and from Shinjuku Station's Busta Shinjuku bus station in Tokyo, to Yokohama as well as day time Meitetsu buses to Nagoya.