Hotokuji Temple

Houtokuji Temple is a Zen temple of the Rinzai sect, Kenninji school, located in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture. It was founded during the Houtoku era of the Muromachi period (around 1450) and is said to have been established by Kiryu’s local lord, Kiryu Masatsuna. With a history spanning approximately 600 years, it is a venerable temple. Its mountain name is “Rinzaisan,” and it is known as a temple standing in a quiet, mountainous area surrounded by nature.

🌿 Floor Momiji — Houtokuji’s Greatest Highlight
The main reason Houtokuji has attracted nationwide attention is, without a doubt, its “floor momiji.”
“Floor momiji” refers to the dreamlike scene in which seasonal nature is reflected in the polished wooden floorboards.
From the fresh greenery of spring, to the deep green of summer, the autumn foliage of fall, and the snowy scenery of winter, the colors of each season are reflected on the floor, allowing visitors to enjoy a beauty that resembles a painting.
This “floor momiji” is also called “autumn-leaf reflection,” and many photos have been posted on social media.
Only a handful of temples across Japan offer floor momiji viewing, and Houtokuji is said to be the only one where photography is freely permitted.

📅 Special Openings
“Floor momiji” can be viewed during limited special openings of the main hall in spring, summer, and autumn, when visitors are allowed to enter inside.
The main hall is built in a style called the Zen hōjō style, an architectural form that is rare in the Kanto region.
The special openings in 2025 are scheduled as follows:

• Spring Floor Momiji Special Opening: April 12 – May 18
A beautiful season when the fresh green leaves are reflected on the floor, and peonies bloom in full splendor.

• Wind Chime Festival / Summer Floor Momiji Special Opening “Feel the Coolness”: July 5 – September 23
A tasteful period when the deep green maple leaves shine refreshingly and the sound of wind chimes echoes through the temple grounds.

• Autumn Floor Momiji Special Opening “Reflection: A World Reflected on the Floor”: October 18 – December 3
About 100 maple trees in the temple grounds turn red and yellow, creating a beauty reminiscent of paradise.
At night, the area is illuminated, allowing visitors to enjoy a fantastical world different from the daytime scene.

🎐 Wind Chime Festival and Seasonal Events
The “Wind Chime Festival,” held as a classic summer event, is another signature attraction of Houtokuji.
Around 3,000 wind chimes are displayed throughout the temple grounds, and their clear tones ring out every time the wind blows.
A tunnel of wind chimes is set up along the approach to the temple, and the contrast of colorful wind chimes and light gently envelops visitors in a cool atmosphere.
In addition, popular photo spots and decorative displays appear throughout the grounds, such as pinwheels, carp streamers, and a vinyl umbrella art installation (Umbrella Sky).
There is also a tower of Japanese umbrellas called “Fukukasane-gasane,” created with the wish that good fortune will come one after another, adding a festive and auspicious atmosphere.
Seasonal decorations are arranged with different themes throughout the year, offering new discoveries and inspiration with every visit.

🏡 Highlights Within the Temple Grounds
Houtokuji’s grounds are beautifully maintained, creating a tranquil space in harmony with nature.

• Dry Landscape Garden:
A garden composed of white sand and stones spreads out in front of the main hall, abstractly expressing the beauty of nature.

• Fusuma Painting “Twin Dragons”:
On the sliding doors inside the main hall, there is a powerful monochrome ink painting of two dragons that seems as if they might spring to life at any moment.

• Fusuma Painting “The Leisurely Roaming Lions”:
In another room of the main hall, there is a work depicting lions moving gracefully and playfully, which is also well worth seeing.

• Stone Garden / Suikinkutsu:
In the garden grounds, there is also a suikinkutsu, where the sound of water echoes in the silence and soothes the heart.

• Group of Jizo Statues:
Many charming Jizo statues are enshrined here, including “Nade Jizo,” “Smiling Jizo,” and “Joyful Jizo.”
In particular, the sight of 50 Jizo statues wearing hats lined up together brings smiles to visitors’ faces.

🖌️ The Appeal of Goshuin
At Houtokuji, monthly goshuin stamps are extremely popular.
These highly artistic goshuin, carefully drawn one by one by the head priest, will remain a cherished memory for worshippers for years to come.
Many are distributed as pre-made pieces, but their colors and designs are so beautiful they resemble works of art.
Limited-edition designs created to match the season or special events also appear, making it a delight to receive a different goshuin each time you visit.

✨ Summary of Houtokuji’s Appeal
Houtokuji is a temple where visitors can feel the beautiful harmony created by historical architecture and the changing seasons of nature.
Through events such as “floor momiji,” the “wind chime festival,” and “autumn-leaf paradise,” it offers visitors an experience of nature’s transitions and the beauty of silence.
Its open attitude, including allowing free photography, is another appealing feature, and many visitors share its beauty on social media.
Houtokuji shows completely different expressions depending on the season, making it a temple that offers new inspiration with every visit—truly worthy of being called a “paradise for the heart.”