Hofu | Suo Kokubunji Temple, founded by Emperor Shomu, has been protecting against diseases and disasters for 1200 years.

In 741 AD, in order to eliminate the epidemic and calm the pain caused by the war, Emperor Shomu issued an order to establish branch temples in various places and to protect the people of various places as official temples. The Suho Kokubunji Temple in Hofu is one of the temples built in that group. As temples began to exert political influence in the Heian period, the imperial court intentionally weakened their influence. The situation did not improve until the Kamakura period, when Suo Province covered expenses and Suo Kokubunji Temple was preserved. It is the only old temple in Japan that has been designated as a national historic site. The construction style of the Daikon Hall is very unique, with a two-story design of the mother house. It is said that the temple houses many precious Buddha statues from the Heian period, such as the Sunlight and Moonlight Bodhisattvas, but it is a pity that it is not open to the public. It now belongs to the Koyasan Shingon sect, which mainly worships Medicine Buddha, and the mountain is called Jorurisan. There is a fire-walking ceremony every November, where people walk barefoot through the ashes after burning the Homa wood, symbolizing letting Medicine Buddha burn away all diseases. There is also a statue of Master Kobo donated by believers in the temple. 📍Address: 2-67 Kokubunji-cho, Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture 🚗25 minutes walk from Hofu Station #MarchGoodPlaces2025