Hōgon-ji is a temple of the Ji Buddhist sect in Matsuyama. It’s known as the birthplace of Ippen, who founded the Ji (time) sect as an offshoot of the Jōdo or Pure Land sect in 1276. Disciples of Ippen sought enlightenment by chanting the name of Amida and dancing ecstatically. Ippen is depicted in numerous statues as a humble ascetic, skinny as a stick from all his traveling.
- 1 min read
Hogon-ji Temple in Dogo, Matsuyama
Birthplace of Ippen, the wandering saint

By Anonymous
Community writer

Hogon-ji stands at the top of the slope called Neon Zaka, Matsuayama's old red light district

The gateway to Hogon-ji is imposing

The double roof provides welcome respite from an April shower

The temple stands in pretty, heavily wooded grounds

Besides the natural greenery, the temple keepers have prettified the precincts with many flowers

The doors to the main hall are beautifully carved

A characterful dragon guards one of the subsidiary buildings

Behind the temple is a large graveyard. Here spring plums litter the ground between the graves

The character for 'spirit' that makes up the Japanese word for 'graveyard'

You can potter around the graveyard and enjoy the statuary on the graves

The main hall through a veil of wet foliage
Join the discussion
Preethu
8 years ago
Nice Place.
1 comment 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
-
1
Sado Island Kodo Earth Celebration 2025: Music, Traditions, Taste Tour
Niigata -
2
Kamenoi Hotel Nikko Yunishigawa: An All-Inclusive Resort
Tochigi - Sponsored -
3
Cherry Blossoms, Onsen, and Tochigi Cuisine in Oku-Nikko
Accommodation - Sponsored -
4
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
5
World Theatre Festival Shizuoka 2025: Where the City Becomes the Stage
Shizuoka - Sponsored -
6
A Journey of Encounters in Kyotango
Kyoto - Sponsored -
7
Kyushu Craftsmanship and Traditions Heritage Tour
Article -
8
Hokkaido Full Immersion Tour
Hokkaido -
9
Takaharu: Where Legends, Culture, and Nature Coexist
Miyazaki - Sponsored -
10
INDEN-YA: An Over 400-year-old Crafts Business
Yamanashi - Sponsored
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
4
Meguro River Cherry Blossom Festival
Tokyo -
5
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
6
Ueno Cherry Blossom Festival
Tokyo -
7
May Grand Sumo Tournament (Tokyo)
Tokyo -
8
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
9
Kanamara Penis Festival
Kanagawa -
10
Black Eggs of Owakudani, Hakone
Kanagawa