HyogoLeisure

Jodo-ji Temple (浄土寺)

Flow of the course

About 75 min here

About 30 min to the next stop

Next stop: Buy local ingredients at the park's farmers' market for lunch

About this spot

Jodo-ji Temple (浄土寺) is an old temple in Jodani-cho, Ono City, whose Jodo-do Hall (浄土堂) is designated a National Treasure. Inside the hall stands the Amida Triad carved by the sculptor Kaikei, known for the dramatic sight of light streaming in through the shitomido lattice shutters behind it, illuminating the statues from below and tinting the hall red. It's an experience that's hard to convey in photos, so the place is only worth it once you actually step inside the hall. The grounds are spacious, and the way to spend time here is more about walking quietly and taking it in than running around. It's about a 10-minute drive to Himawari-no-oka Park, making it a convenient first stop in the morning.

Tips

Viewing requires an admission fee, and the hours during which you can view the hall are fixed (check the on-site signage for the latest information). How the light looks inside the hall depends on the time of day and the weather, so visiting on a sunny day leaves a stronger impression. There's no shop on the grounds, so prepare drinks before you set out. It's reassuring to agree with your child beforehand that this is a place for quiet viewing.