Shoboji Temple, the Temple of Wisteria

This historic Zen temple stands at the foot of Mount Shoboji in Hino, Shiga Prefecture. Known as a famous wisteria spot, it offers a breathtaking view of over-300-year-old wisteria planted across the spacious grounds, their long flower clusters hanging gracefully. The flowers usually bloom from early to mid-May, and purple clusters stretching over 1 meter beautifully color the temple grounds. It is said that the old wisteria trees were transplanted here as saplings from the ancient capital of Kyoto by Zen Master Fuzon, who founded the temple.

The temple’s principal image, the Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva, is a hidden Buddhist statue shown to the public only once every 33 years and is worshipped as a guardian deity for safe childbirth. The grounds are also dotted with valuable cultural properties, including a stone pagoda designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan and a monument inscribed with a haiku by Basho.

To get here, take the Omi Railway to Hino Station, then ride the town-operated bus to the last stop, Kamakake. From there, it is an Approx. 10-minute walk. The bus does not operate on Sundays, national holidays, or during the year-end and New Year holidays, so if you plan to use public transportation, be sure to check the schedule in advance before visiting.