Houtokuji Temple (Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture) Complete Guide | Floor Maple Leaves, Goshuin Stamps, and Seasonal Highlights
Houtokuji Temple, located in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture, has recently become a hot topic on social media, attracting visitors from across Japan. This guide provides detailed information about Houtokuji Temple, from its history to highlights and access methods, featuring the beautiful “floor maple leaves” and “floor fresh greenery” reflected on the temple hall floor, art-style goshuin stamps that change monthly, and scenery that changes with the seasons.
About Houtokuji Temple | A Zen Temple in Kiryu Continuing from the Muromachi Period
Houtokuji Temple is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple of the Kenchoji school branch, located in Kawachi-cho, Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture. It was founded during the Houtoku era (around 1450) by Kiryu Sano Masatsuna, the feudal lord of the Kiryu region at the time, and was opened by Bushin Daikoji, the 73rd Zen master of the Rinzai Zen Buddhist main temple Kenchoji.
At the time of its founding, Houtokuji Temple served not only as a religious facility but also as a fortress protecting the rear of Kiryu Castle. Subsequently, it fell into disrepair with the passage of time, but was revived in the mid-Edo period and has continued to be cherished as a center of community faith to the present day.
The Origin of Houtokuji Temple’s Name
The temple’s name “Houtoku” derives from the Houtoku era (1449-1452), the era during which the temple was founded. This period coincided with the later reign of Ashikaga Yoshinori, the sixth shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate, an era when regional samurai sought regional stability and prosperity through the establishment of temples.
Floor Maple Leaves and Floor Fresh Greenery | The Greatest Highlights of Houtokuji Temple
The primary reason Houtokuji Temple has gained nationwide attention is the “floor maple leaves” and “floor fresh greenery” reflected on the temple hall floor. This phenomenon occurs when the polished floorboards of the hall mirror-like reflect the external scenery, creating a fantastic landscape.
Special Exhibition of Floor Maple Leaves and Floor Fresh Greenery
Houtokuji Temple holds special viewings during spring, summer, and autumn when the tatami mats in the hall are removed and the floorboards are polished and displayed. During this period, visitors can enjoy the beautiful sight of external scenery reflected on the temple hall floor.
Spring Special Viewing (Floor Fresh Greenery)
- Period: Late April to mid-May
- Highlights: Vivid green fresh greenery reflected on the floor, creating a refreshing landscape
- Events: Held simultaneously with the Peony Festival
Summer Special Viewing (Floor Green Maple)
- Period: July to August
- Highlights: Lush green maple leaves and the Wind Chime Festival
- Events: Approximately 3,000 wind chimes are displayed throughout the temple grounds
Autumn Special Viewing (Floor Maple)
- Period: Early November to early December
- Highlights: Maple leaves reflected on the floor, the most popular season
- Events: Maple Leaf Festival is held
Houtokuji Temple, One of the Rare Temples in Japan Where Floor Maple Leaves Can Be Seen
Only a handful of temples in Japan offer the public viewing of scenery reflected on floors. Rurikoji Temple and Jissoji Temple in Kyoto are famous, but Houtokuji Temple’s distinctive feature is that photography is freely permitted and can be uploaded to SNS. While most temples restrict photography, Houtokuji Temple allows visitors to photograph freely as they wish, which is why it has become a hot topic on Instagram, Twitter, and other social media platforms, attracting many visitors.
Best Spots and Tips for Photography
Here are some points for photographing floor maple leaves beautifully:
- Photograph from the back of the hall toward the front: This allows you to capture both the external scenery and the reflection on the floor simultaneously
- Shoot from a low angle: Positioning the camera close to the floor surface will make the reflection appear more clearly
- Choose a sunny day: On days with strong light, reflections appear more distinct
- Morning hours are recommended: You can avoid crowds and benefit from soft, diffused light
- Adjust the brightness of your smartphone screen: Prepare for photographing indoors where it is darker
Art Goshuin Stamps | Unique Designs That Change Monthly
Another reason for Houtokuji Temple’s popularity is the “art goshuin stamps” created by the head priest. Unlike typical goshuin stamps, these are distinctive for their cute illustrations and seasonal motifs.
Types and Characteristics of Goshuin Stamps
The goshuin stamps at Houtokuji Temple feature a different design each month, with a painting-like finish featuring seasonal flowers, events, and zodiac animals as motifs. The head priest has talent as a painter and has also created fusuma paintings such as “Lions at Play” in the main hall.
Types of goshuin stamps:
- Regular goshuin stamps: Monthly changing designs
- Seasonal limited goshuin stamps: Special designs during special viewing periods
- Event limited goshuin stamps: Special versions during the Peony Festival and Maple Leaf Festival periods
The goshuin stamps are pre-written type, and visitors can choose from multiple designs. Many visitors collect them, and there are numerous repeat visitors from distant locations.
Etiquette When Receiving Goshuin Stamps
- Complete your worship before receiving the goshuin stamp
- It is recommended to bring your own goshuin stamp book (pre-written versions are also available)
- Waiting times may occur during busy periods
- Prepare cash for the goshuin stamp fee
Seasonal Highlights | Enjoy Houtokuji Temple Year-Round
Houtokuji Temple offers different attractions in each season, not just floor maple leaves.
Spring | Peony Festival and Fresh Greenery
From late April through May, the “Peony Festival” is held on the temple grounds. Peonies in various colors bloom gloriously, and combined with the beauty of fresh greenery, a spring-like elegant landscape unfolds. The floor fresh greenery special viewing is also held during this period, and the vivid green reflected on the temple hall floor offers a refreshing beauty distinct from the autumn foliage.
Summer | Wind Chime Festival and Cool Temple Grounds
During the summer, the “Wind Chime Festival” is held with approximately 3,000 wind chimes displayed throughout the temple grounds. As colorful wind chimes sway in the breeze and chime pleasantly, they provide a refreshing coolness during hot summer. The “floor green maple” featuring lush green maple leaves is also displayed, allowing visitors to enjoy the green beauty unique to summer.
Autumn | Maple Leaf Festival and Floor Maple Leaves
The “Maple Leaf Festival” held in November is the most crowded popular season at Houtokuji Temple. The maple leaves throughout the temple grounds turn red and yellow, and the “floor maple leaves” reflected on the temple hall floor are breathtaking in their beauty. The dry landscape garden with borrowed scenery from the hillside is also adorned with autumn foliage, and visitors can experience the feeling of autumn in the silence befitting a Zen temple.
Winter | Silence of the Zen Temple
Even during winter when there are no special viewings, Houtokuji Temple retains the charm of a quiet Zen temple. Worshipping in the snow-covered temple grounds or in the solemn atmosphere of winter offers a different appeal from the tourist seasons.
Highlights of the Temple Grounds | Stone Garden and Dry Landscape Garden
The temple grounds of Houtokuji Temple are carefully maintained, and the atmosphere of a Zen temple permeates the space.
Dry Landscape Garden
The temple grounds feature a dry landscape garden with borrowed scenery from the hillside, expressing the philosophy of Zen through stones and sand depicting the flow of water. Against the backdrop of nature’s seasonal changes, visitors can calm their minds in silence.
Fusuma Paintings in the Main Hall
The main hall features fusuma paintings such as “Lions at Play,” created by the head priest. The high artistic quality of these paintings impresses many visitors. One can appreciate the artistic source of the goshuin stamps here.
Access to Houtokuji Temple
Houtokuji Temple is located in the mountainous area of Kiryu City, and access by public transportation is somewhat inconvenient, so visiting by private vehicle is recommended.
Access by Train and Bus
From JR Kiryu Station
- Take the Oríhime Bus “Umeda Line” and get off at the “Kawachi-kita” bus stop, then walk about 10 minutes
- Few buses per day (about several per day), so checking the timetable in advance is essential
- Taxi from Kiryu Station is also available (about 15 minutes)
From Tobu Railway Aioi Station
- Buses depart from Aioi Station but service is limited
- Taxi use takes approximately 10 minutes
Distance from Nearest Station
As it is more than 5km from the nearest station, if using public transportation, it is important to plan bus schedules or taxi arrangements in advance.
Access by Car
From the Kan-Etsu Expressway
- About 40 minutes from Isesaki IC
From the Kita-Kanto Expressway
- About 25 minutes from Ota-Kiryu IC
- About 30 minutes from Ota-Yabuzuka IC
From the Tohoku Expressway
- About 50 minutes from Sano-Fujioka IC
Parking Lot Information
Free parking is available on the temple grounds for visitors. However, during special viewing periods (especially the autumn maple leaf season), parking becomes very crowded, so arriving early is recommended. On weekends and holidays, some visitors even wait before the gates open.
Navigation Settings
Address: 5-1608 Kawachi-cho, Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture
Some navigation systems may not provide accurate directions, so using a smartphone map app in conjunction is recommended.
Admission Information | Fees, Hours, and Holidays
Admission Fees
Regular Period
- Free (temple grounds visit only)
Special Viewing Period (Floor Maple Leaves and Floor Fresh Greenery Exhibition)
- Adults: Approximately 500 yen (may vary by period)
- Children: Please inquire at the temple for fee details
The special viewing period fee includes viewing floor maple leaves in the main hall and photography.
Business Hours
Regular Period
- 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (varies with sunset)
Special Viewing Period
- 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (final admission at 4:00 p.m.)
Hours may change depending on the season and events, so it is recommended to check the latest information on the official SNS (X/former Twitter) before visiting.
Holidays
Generally open year-round, but there may be days when admission is not possible due to Buddhist services or temple events. If planning a weekday visit, it is advisable to confirm in advance.
Congestion Status and Best Timing for Visits
Most Crowded Period
- Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays during the autumn maple leaf season (November)
- Congestion from opening, with parking becoming full by mid-morning
Relatively Less Crowded Period
- Weekday mornings (especially during spring and summer special viewing periods)
- Regular viewing period in winter
Recommended Visiting Time
- Immediately after opening on weekdays (around 9 a.m.)
- Spring and summer special viewing periods (less crowded than autumn)
Nearby Tourist Attractions
Here are nearby tourist attractions in and around Kiryu City worth visiting along with Houtokuji Temple.
Tourist Attractions in Kiryu City
Kiryu Shin-machi Important Preservation District for Groups of Historic Buildings
This area preserves the historic townscape of Kiryu, a weaving town continuing from the Edo period. Buildings such as sawtooth-roofed factories and warehouse-style structures line the streets, offering a retro atmosphere.
Kiryu-ga-oka Zoo and Amusement Park
A free-admission zoo and amusement park recommended for family visits.
Kiryu Textile Memorial Hall
A facility where visitors can learn about the history and techniques of weaving, Kiryu’s traditional industry.
Nearby Nature Spots
Agatsuma Park
Known as a name spot for azaleas, with beautiful azaleas in bloom during spring.
Nemoto Mountain
Suitable for hiking, allowing visitors to enjoy nature while engaging in light exercise.
Hotels and Accommodation Near Houtokuji Temple
As there are few accommodation facilities near Houtokuji Temple, it is common to use hotels in Kiryu town, Maebashi City, or Isesaki City.
Hotels in Kiryu
Several business hotels are located near Kiryu Station, providing relatively convenient access to Houtokuji Temple. Staying in Kiryu City is recommended if you want to visit Houtokuji Temple early in the morning.
Hotels in Maebashi
As the prefectural capital of Gunma, Maebashi City offers a wide range of accommodation from business hotels to city hotels. The area around Maebashi Station has many restaurants and is convenient as a tourism base.
Hotels in Gunma
Travel plans combining Gunma’s hot springs such as Kusatsu Onsen and Ikaho Onsen are also popular. Routes that involve relaxing at a hot spring and then visiting Houtokuji Temple in Kiryu City are also recommended.
Notes and Etiquette for Visiting Houtokuji Temple
Attire for Worship
Since shoes must be removed when entering the main hall, easy-to-remove footwear is recommended. During special viewing periods, photography may also involve sitting on the floor, so comfortable, movable clothing is appropriate.
Photography Etiquette
Photography is allowed at Houtokuji Temple, but please observe the following etiquette:
- Be considerate of other visitors and avoid causing inconvenience
- Speak quietly and maintain silence
- Refrain from using tripods during crowded times
- Food and drink are strictly prohibited inside the main hall
- Avoid using flash
Consideration During Crowded Times
During crowded seasons such as the maple leaf season, share photography time and be mindful of allowing everyone to enjoy the experience. Avoid occupying spaces for extended periods, and move promptly once your photography is complete.
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q: What is the address of Houtokuji Temple?
A: Houtokuji Temple is located at 5-1608 Kawachi-cho, Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture. Enter this address in your navigation when using a car navigation system.
Q: What are the hours of operation for Houtokuji Temple?
A: Regular hours are 9:00 a.m. to around 4:00 p.m., and during special viewing periods, 9:00 a.m. to around 4:30 p.m. (final admission at 4:00 p.m.). Hours vary by season, so confirmation before visiting is recommended.
Q: What are the holidays for Houtokuji Temple?
A: Generally open year-round, though there may be days when admission is not possible due to Buddhist services or temple events.
Q: What is the admission fee for Houtokuji Temple?
A: Free during the regular period, approximately 500 yen per adult during special viewing periods (floor maple leaves and floor fresh greenery exhibitions).
Q: When can floor maple leaves be seen?
A: During the autumn special viewing period (early November to early December). Floor fresh greenery is available in spring, and floor green maple in summer.
Q: Is there parking available?
A: Free parking is available, but it becomes very crowded during special viewing periods (especially the autumn maple leaf season). Arriving early is recommended.
Q: Can access be gained via public transportation?
A: Yes, buses are available from JR Kiryu Station and Tobu Railway Aioi Station, but with limited frequency, car access is more convenient.
Q: Can goshuin stamps be obtained?
A: Yes. Art-style goshuin stamps that change design monthly are popular. Pre-written versions are available, with multiple designs to choose from.
Q: Can children visit?
A: Visiting with children is possible, but the inside of the main hall requires maintaining silence, so caution is necessary with small children.
Q: Can pets be brought inside?
A: It is recommended to inquire directly at the temple regarding pet accompaniment. In general, bringing pets into the main hall is difficult in most cases.
Conclusion | Experience the Beauty of Four Seasons at Houtokuji Temple
Houtokuji Temple in Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture, is a temple continuing from the Muromachi period that continues to reveal new charm in the SNS age. With the fantastic beauty of floor maple leaves and floor fresh greenery, art-style goshuin stamps that change monthly, and seasonal events throughout the year, there is always something new to discover with each visit.
While crowded during special viewing periods, the beauty is worth witnessing. Though access by public transportation is somewhat inconvenient, by car it can be reached in about two hours from the metropolitan area.
Fresh greenery in spring, wind chimes in summer, maple leaves in autumn, silence in winter—why not visit Houtokuji Temple and experience the beautiful four seasons of Japan and the spirit of Zen in its different seasonal expressions? Check the official SNS for the latest information before visiting, and enjoy your worship while following proper etiquette.
