Homan Jingu-ji Temple, located at the foot of Mount Homan in Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture, is a historic temple known as a sacred place of Shugendo (Japanese mountain asceticism). Along with Mount Homan, a sacred place of mountain worship, it attracts many worshipers.
History of Homan Jingu-ji Temple
Homan Jingu-ji Temple is said to have been opened in the late 7th century by En no Gyoja. Later, in the Heian period, Kukai (Kobo Daishi) visited and it prospered as a training hall for Esoteric Buddhism. During the Edo period, it received patronage from the lord of the Fukuoka Domain, the Kuroda family, and it has attracted the faith of many people to this day.
Highlights of Homan Jingu-ji Temple
- Niomon Gate: The Niomon gate, the mountain gate of Homan Jingu-ji Temple, is a valuable building that retains the architectural style of the Kamakura period. It is designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
- Main Hall: The main hall enshrines a Yakushi Nyorai Zazo (seated statue of Bhaisajyaguru) as its main enshrined deity, as well as Buddhist statues of Fudo Myoo (Acala) and Bishamonten (Vaisravana).
- Three-Storied Pagoda: The three-storied pagoda, built in the Muromachi period, is attractive for its graceful appearance.
- Daikodo (Great Lecture Hall): It is a place where monks used to study. Currently, activities such as Sutra copying are held.
- Hōmotsuden (Treasure Hall): Valuable Buddhist statues and scriptures that have been passed down at Homan Jingu-ji Temple are exhibited.
Basic Information about Homan Jingu-ji Temple
| Item | Content |
| Address | Mount Homan, Dazaifu City, Fukuoka Prefecture 818-0115 |
| Phone Number | 092-922-8230 |
| Viewing Hours | 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Admission Fee | Adults 500 yen, junior high school students and younger are free |
| Parking | Available (paid) |
| Access | Car: About 20 minutes from the Kyushu Expressway Dazaifu IC Train: About 15 minutes by the community bus “Mahoroba-go” from Nishitetsu Dazaifu Line “Dazaifu Station,” get off at the “Homan-san Tozanguchi” bus stop, and walk for about 5 minutes |
Homan Jingu-ji Temple is a quiet space where you can feel history and nature. Please visit and spend a peaceful time.