Choanji Temple is a temple in Hakone. It is one of the best tourist attractions for autumn leaves. It is also famous for having many Buddha statues called Gohyakurakan. Near Choanji Temple, there is a Hakone's leading hot spring "Sengokuhara Onsen" where you visit to relax.
About Choanji Temple
Choanji Temple is a historic temple built in 1356. It has a long history and was relocated to Sengokuhara in 1658. In the precinct, there are the Hondo (main hall), Shoro(bell tower) and Jizodo which are said to remain in the same shape as it was back then.
In addition, since there are autumn leaves and various flowers and trees to appreciate, Choanji Temple has been selected as one of the 103 temples of the Kanto area, commonly known as "Higashikuni no Hananotera".
Besides, it is basically possible to take a walk in the temple at all times. As there is no time restriction or entrance fee, please feel free to take a visit.
Highlights of Choanji Temple
The highlights of Choanji Temple are the Gohyakurakan and autumn leaves which are unique to the temple. They are worth a look. Other than that, it would be good to take a look at the Hondo Toyokawa Inari(main hall), Benzaiten(Japanese Buddhist goddess) and Benten-Ike Lake.
Gohyakurakan
There are various Buddha statues called Gohyakurakan everywhere in the precinct of Choanji Temple. Gohyakurakan is the term for the 500 Buddhist monks who were the students of Buddha that collected the sutras after his death. Each monk statue has its own facial expression and poses, such as a pose of drinking, bowing and shooting a bow. It would be interesting to look at the statue one by one while taking a walk in the temple. To add, the number of Buddha statues is not limited to 500. The production of new statues is still continuing.
Autumn leaves scenery
When it comes to fall, the autumn leaves and ginkgo trees in the precincts are vividly coloured. You can see the beautiful scenery of autumn leaves. The best time to view is the period from early to mid-November. Gohyakurakan with autumn leaves in the background is also a special scenery that can only be seen during this period. To add, red and yellow fallen leaves floating on the water surface of Bentenike are also very beautiful.
The above-mentioned tourist spots in Chonaji Temple are the symbols of Japan's autumn. If you come for autumn leaves during fall, please go to take some photos in Chonaji Temple.
Access to Choanji Temple
To go to Choanji Temple, take the Hakone Tozan Bus at Hakone-Yumoto Station. It takes about 25 minutes to arrive at "Sengoku" bus stop which is the nearest stop to the temple. After getting off, you will arrive at Choanji Temple by walking for about 1 minute.
Spot information
- Spot name: Choanji Temple
- Street address: 82 Sengokuhara, Hakone, Ashigarashimo-Ku, Kanagawa Prefecture 250-0631
- Access: Take the Hakone Tozan Bus at Hakone-Yumoto Station and get off at "Sengoku" bus stop, followed by a 1-minute walk.
- Wi-Fi: Unavailable
- Language: Only Japanese
- Credit cards: Cannot be used
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