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
7 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
Himeji Castle Entry Fees to Rise From 2026
Hyogo -
2
Spend the Day in Sapporo: Japan’s Northern Metropolis
Hokkaido - Sponsored -
3
Miyakejima: An Island Adventure From Land to Sea
Tokyo - Sponsored -
4
Time Traveling on the Hitachi-no-kuni Long Trail
Ibaraki - Sponsored -
5
KAMENOI HOTEL ASO PARK RESORT
Kumamoto - Sponsored -
6
Miyoko Schinner’s Vegan Japan Tour
Culture -
7
4 Ways to Ring in Sakura Season in Japan
Activities -
8
Mishima Japanese Candleshop
Gifu -
9
Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo’s New Executive Lounge and “The Pagoda in the Clouds”
Tokyo - Sponsored -
10
Winter Views of Hida Furukawa
Gifu
-
1
Guide to Bringing Medicines Into Japan
Planning -
2
The Ultimate Guide to Thrifting in Tokyo
Shopping -
3
March Grand Sumo Tournament (Osaka)
Osaka -
4
Your Name: Real-Life Locations in Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
6
Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival
Shizuoka -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
9
Wonder Festival
Chiba -
10
Lake Shikotsu Ice Festival
Hokkaido