Houunji Temple is a temple of the Obaku sect, founded in 1672 by Eikyu Domyo, one of the three great masters of Obaku. The temple grounds include a mountain gate, a Tenno-den, a main hall, a Kaizan-do, a Yosen-den, a Hojo, and a bell tower, all of which convey the original architecture. The view is spectacular. In the main hall, there are 1,111 statues each of Shakyamuni, Yakushi, and Amitabha, totaling 3,333 statues enshrined as the principal images.

Every year on August 15th, the Great Segaki Hoyo and Mantoe are held, with about 1,000 lanterns lit and many people visiting for memorial services. Also, this city’s famous spot for azaleas, the city’s flower, has 1,000 azalea trees of red, white, and pink blooming on this large site. In the peak season of April to May, more than 1,000 people visit daily, and the scenery is so gorgeous it’s said to be “a sea of azaleas when the flowers bloom.”

Basic Information on Houunji Temple

Address: 192 Imai, Mihara-ku, Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture Access: Get off at “Kawachi-Matsubara Station” on the Kintetsu Minami-Osaka Line, take the bus bound for Satsukino, get off at “Imai Bus Stop” and walk for 5 minutes Get off at “Hatsushiba Station” on the Nankai Koya Line, take the bus bound for Mihara Ward Office, get off at “Imai Minami Bus Stop” and walk for a short distance Fee: Free Hours: Around 8:00 to 16:30 (varies depending on the season) Festivals: Spring Higan Service (middle day of Higan in March), Azalea Viewing (late April to early May), Great Segaki Hoyo and Mantoe (August 15th), New Year’s Eve Bell (December 31st) Phone Number: 072-361-4419 URL: http://www.oubaku.org/houun/