![Hirokawadera Temple](https://prd-static.gltjp.com/glt/data/directory/16000/15978/20240712_084910_bd311437_w1920.webp)
Verified [Verified] denotes information that has been published with confirmation of its owing parties.
Hirokawadera Temple
A temple and resting place of poet Saigyo Hoshi, where some 1,500 gorgeous cherry blossoms bloom each spring.
This historic temple sits just at the foot of Mount Katsuragi with origins that tell of its founding by ascetic monk En no Gyōja in the fourth year of Emperor Tenji's reign (665). It became an imperial temple under Emperor Tenmu, and during the Heian period, Emperor Saga ordered Kūkai to renovate the temple complex, reestablishing it as a sacred site for esoteric Buddhism.
The renowned poet and monk Saigyo Hoshi, celebrated for having 94 of his poems included in the Shin Kokin Wakashū, visited the temple in the late Heian period and spent his final days there. Within the temple grounds, there is a hall dedicated to Saigyo, containing his statue and his grave. The Saigyo Memorial Museum (admission fee applies) located at the back of the main hall is where you’ll find temple treasures, paintings, and writings related to Saigyo.
Many savvy travelers know this spot for its immense nature, including the majestic mountain at its back and for its famed cherry blossoms. If your next trip is in the spring between late March and early April, expect the jaw-dropping view of 1,500 cherry trees, including Somei Yoshino and Yamazakura in all their splendor. The temple grounds also feature a weeping cherry tree with deep pink blossoms that adds to the vibrant scenery. After the cherry blossom season, visitors can enjoy the blooms of the 350-year-old rose family plant, "Kaido," which is a natural monument in the temple's main garden (admission fee applies).
Highlights
-
An ancient temple at the foot of Mount Katsuragi, believed to have been founded by En no Gyōja.
-
Known as the final resting place of Saigyo Hoshi, with his grave and a hall dedicated to him on the grounds.
-
Famous for its approximately 1,500 cherry trees that bloom in the spring.
-
The main garden and the Saigyo Memorial Museum require an admission fee for entry.
Photos
-
Main hall and weeping cherry tree (Suya Sakura)
-
Cherry blossoms in the main garden
-
Autumn foliage in the main garden
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have pamphlets in other languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)
Sorry, we don’t.
Q
Do you have temple’s red ink stamps?
Yes.
Q
Is parking available?
Yes.
Q
Are coin lockers available?
Not available.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 弘川寺
- Postal Code
- 585-0022
- Address
- 43 Hirokawa, Kanancho, Minamikawachigun, Osaka
- Telephone
- 0721-93-2814
- Closed
-
Free to walk
*The main garden and Saigyo Memorial Museum are open from late March to mid-May and from mid-October to early December. - Business Hours
-
Walk anytime
*The main garden and Saigyo Memorial Museum are open from 10:00am to 5:00pm. - Admission
-
Free
*Admission to the main garden and Saigyo Memorial Museum is 500 yen for adults and 200 yen for children. - Access
- 25 minutes by bus from Kintetsu Nagano Line Tondabayashi Station, get off at "Kawachi" and walk 5 minutes.
- Credit Cards
- Not accepted
- Official Website
- Official Website (Japanese)