If you're visiting Atsuta-jingu and Shirotori Garden in the southern reaches of central Nagoya, then the walk from one to the other will take you through a quiet residential area, but one with a number of appealing neighbourhood temples and shrines. One of them is Hoji-ji, which has an understated charm and some interesting features: imposing guardians at the gate, a more than usually fierce dragon at the trough for purifying your hands and mouth, and a variety of Buddhist statues, one of whom looks very much like a sumo wrestler ready to rumble.
- 1 min read
Hoji-ji Temple, Nagoya
A restful temple near Atsuta-jingu
By Peter Sidell
Community writer
A little statue near the main hall
The steps to the main shrine
Colourful lanterns
Temple hall, gate, purifying water trough
Lots of little statues
A fierce guardian by the gate
The temple seems to incorporate some parking
More statues in the grounds
Purify your hands and mouth here before you pray
The lichens show quite how old these are
A little side shrine, also lichened with age
A bigger statue
Join the discussion
Odilia Sindy Okinawati
9 years ago
Seems in quiet place and must be so lovwly place to visit since it far away from crowded area.
Justin Velgus
9 years ago
I like the sumo statue!
2 comments in total
Book your trip
Find a nearby hotel
Explore some of the best nearby hotels and deals for the perfect place to stay in Japan.
Top Articles
-
1An Intellectual Journey Through Fujita Tsuguharu’s Legacy in Akita
Akita - Sponsored -
2A Taste of Shiga at COCOSHIGA
Tokyo - Sponsored -
3Discover Hakodate: A Vibrant Port City in Hokkaido
Hokkaido - Sponsored -
4See Southern Japan with Kirishima As Your Gateway
Kagoshima - Sponsored -
5An Immersive Look Into Akita’s Food Heritage
Akita - Sponsored -
6Discover Shiga Prefecture: Events at COCOSHIGA in Tokyo
Tokyo - Sponsored -
7Experience Oarai: A Quiet Fishing Town Blessed by the Bounty of the Sea
Ibaraki - Sponsored -
8A Journey Through Western Kyushu
Nagasaki - Sponsored -
9Miyoko Schinner: Japan Vegan Tour 2026
Food -
10Ultimate Japan Car Culture Journey - From Auto Salon 2026 to the Open Road
Chiba
-
1Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2Tokyo Christmas Market
Tokyo -
3The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
4Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5November Grand Sumo Tournament (Fukuoka)
Fukuoka -
6Nabana no Sato Illumination
Mie -
7Tori-no-Ichi
Tokyo -
8Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
9Tokyo Auto Salon
Chiba -
10Shibuya Blue Cave Illumination
Tokyo