Choanji Temple is a temple in Hakone.It's one of the finest autumn leaves tourist attractions. It is also known for having Gohyakurakan, a lot of Buddha statues. There is a major Hakone hot spring "Sengokuhara Onsen" near Choanji Temple where you can 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.
Furthermore, since autumn leaves and numerous flowers and trees are to be appreciated, Choanji Temple has been chosen as one of the 103 shrines in the Kanto region, widely known as "Higashikuni no Hananotera."
In addition, walking in the temple is basically feasible at all times. Since there is no time limit or admission fee, kindly feel free to visit.
Highlights of Choanji Temple
Choanji Temple's highlights are the distinctive Gohyakurakan and autumn leaves of the temple. They're worth seeing. Other than that, the Hondo Toyokawa Inari (main hall), Benzaiten (Japanese Buddhist goddess) and Benten-Ike Lake would be nice to look at.
Gohyakurakan
There are various Buddha statues called Gohyakurakan everywhere in the precinct of Choanji Temple. Gohyakurakan is the word used by the 500 Buddhist monks who were Buddha students who after his death gathered the sutras. Each monk statue has its own facial expression and poses like a drinking, smiling, and shooting bow pose. Looking at the statue one by one would be interesting while taking a stroll in the temple. In addition, the number of statues of the Buddha is not limited to 500. New statues are still being produced.
Autumn leaves scenery
The autumn leaves and ginkgo trees in the precincts are vividly colored when it comes to falling. You can see autumn leaves ' lovely landscapes. The period from early to mid-November is the best time to see. Gohyakurakan is also a unique landscape with autumn leaves in the background that can only be seen during this period. To add, there are also very lovely red and yellow fallen leaves floating on Bentenike's water surface.
The above-mentioned Chonaji Temple tourist spots are the symbols of the autumn of Japan. If you're coming to Chonaji Temple for autumn leaves during the fall, kindly go and take some pictures.
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
Comments