Close to Izu-Taga station a little way south of the seaside resort of Atami, Hosenji is a small Buddhist temple with a restful atmosphere, notable for the impressive view over the hills and ocean from its graveyard, and a good-sized, diverse population of interesting statues. There are Buddhist deities and pilgrims, some animals by the pond, and a couple of fierce guardian demons by the gate, these being impossible to photograph because of the reflections in the encasing glass.
- 1 min read
Hosenji Temple In Izu-Taga
Interesting statues, and a beautiful view

By Peter Sidell
Community writer

The view from the graveyard

The Kannon, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy

The small pond in the temple grounds

A welcoming committee of deities

The main hall

A pilgrim next to the main hall

A bird and a lion under the roof

Another pilgrim

A smaller statue next to the Kannon

I'm not sure what this is a statue of

Two frogs and a crane by the pond

The steps up to the gate

The marker at the entrance

Ancient markers at the entrance
Leave a comment
0 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
-
1
70 Nations, One Amazing Meal
Osaka - Sponsored -
2
Japanese Eels: Your Guide to Unagi & Anago
Food -
3
Enjoy Toba: More Than Just a Seaside Retreat
Mie - Sponsored -
4
Summer with Pokémon at Grand Hyatt Tokyo
Tokyo -
5
An Enriching Getaway in Ome City
Tokyo - Sponsored -
6
I’m Donut?: Japan’s Viral Donut Sensation
Culture -
7
Aichi Awaits: Seven Authentic Experiences Beyond Nagoya
Aichi - Sponsored -
8
Osaka Noh Festa
Osaka - Sponsored -
9
25 Authentic Activities in Minobu
Yamanashi - Sponsored -
10
Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 Japan Car Tour: Cars, Culture & The Open Road
Chiba
-
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
Gion Matsuri
Kyoto -
5
Japanese Urban Legends
Culture -
6
Iwatayama Monkey Park
Kyoto -
7
Daikoku Car Meet
Kanagawa -
8
Shitamachi Tanabata Matsuri
Tokyo -
9
Ghibli 3D Sculpture Exhibition
Tokyo -
10
Black Eggs of Owakudani, Hakone
Kanagawa