Banshozan Sozenji Temple

Located in the mountains west of central Kiryu, Banshozan Sozenji Temple is surrounded by abundant nature in an area designated by Gunma Prefecture as a Green Space Conservation Area. The temple offers beautiful scenery throughout the seasons, including fresh greenery and fall foliage. A deciduous broadleaf forest covers the hillside behind the temple, where simply walking along the trail known as Mida no Komichi, or the Path of Amida, may leave you feeling spiritually renewed. The temple’s expansive grounds cover approximately 8.2 acres. Look for the threadleaf false cypress, which is more than 600 years old and designated a Natural Monument by Gunma Prefecture.

The temple’s long history is another highlight. Banshozan Sozenji Temple is said to have been founded in 1205 by Chimei Shonin, a disciple of Honen Shonin. For more than 800 years, the sacred flame in the main hall has been kept burning continuously since the temple’s founding. At the top of the steps, the first sight to greet visitors is the timeworn temple gate, believed to have been built in 1727. Just inside the gate on the right stands an old bell tower, recorded as having been built in 1753.

The temple’s main attraction is undoubtedly its principal statue of Amida Nyorai, designated an Important Cultural Property by Gunma Prefecture. Believed to have been created during the Kamakura period (1185–1333), the statue still sits with a deeply compassionate expression. Although it is not usually open to the public, it is displayed each year on November 22 and 23.