1100 year old Temple shrine in Japan || Takahata Fudo-son Kongo-ji temple || Japan old architecture

Temple with 1100 years of history
Takahata Fudo-son Kongo-ji temple is a Shingon sect temple in Hino, Tokyo. It is one of the oldest temples in the Kanto region. The temple festival is held on the 28th every month, so there are a lot of pilgrims.

1100 year ago, the monk Ennin started building Fudo-do Hall. In 1335, the mountain hall was destroyed by a typhoon, so it was moved at the foot of the mountain. The deity statue that is inside the Fudo-do Hall today weighs more than 1100 kg, and it was faithfully reproduced in Heian Period (794-1185).

At the Nio-mon gate, which serves as the temple’s entrance, you can see statues of Kongorikishi (guardians of Buddha). The statues are made using various tree materials.

Takahata Fudo-son Kongo-ji temple is also famous for hydrangea flowers. "Hydrangea Festival" is held from around early June to around early July. There are also a lot of people who come to see autumn leaves in the end of November.

Family temple of Hijikata Toshizo
Takahata Fudo-son Kongo-ji temple used to serve as a family temple for Hijikata Toshizo who was the vice-captain of Shinsengumi, a special police force organized by the Bakufu (military government) during Japan’s Bakumatsu Period (1853-1868). There are statues of him and his descendants on the premises.

At Okuden hall, there is a statue of Fudo Myoo, flags and other Shinsengumi objects that are selected as Important Cultural Properties. Okuden is open from 9:00 to 16:00, entrance is 300 yen. Closed on Mondays, except festivals and special occasions.

Dainichi-do hall has memorial tablets of Hijikata Toshizo. Apart from Dainichi-do hall, there are various Buddhist and dragon images around it. Dainichi-do hall is open from 9:00 to 16:00, entrance is 200 yen. Closed on Mondays.

Access
Train: Takahata-Fudo station on Keio Line, Dobutsu-en line, Tama Monorail line.

Car: Kokuritsu-Chofu Interchange on Chuo Expressway. There is a parking lot, free of charge.