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Fudo-in Temple: A Hiroshima National Treasure

Discover Hiroshima's Fudo-in Temple: A resilient national treasure with centuries of history and serene beauty.

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Fudo-in Temple, located in Hiroshima, is a historic Buddhist temple dating back to the Heian period. It is the only temple in Hiroshima City designated as a National Treasure, having survived the atomic bombing in 1945.

A brief summary to Fudo-in

Local tips

  • Take the Astram Line to Fudoin-mae Station for convenient access to the temple.
  • Visit in the autumn to see the vibrant maple trees in full color.
  • Explore the temple grounds to appreciate the architecture and serene atmosphere.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Hiroshima Station, take either the JR Kabe Line or JR Sanyo Line to Shin-Hakushima Station. Transfer to the Astram Line and ride to Fudoin-mae Station. The temple is a short walk from the station. Astram Line fares range from ¥190 to ¥420 depending on the number of stations. A single trip from Hondori Station to Fudoin-mae Station is ¥230.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Hiroshima. A taxi from Hiroshima Station to Fudo-in Temple will cost approximately ¥3120, based on a 5km ride. The base fare is ¥620, with an additional ¥500 per kilometer.

  • Walking

    From Shin-Hakushima Station, it is approximately a 30-minute walk along the Ota River bank to Fudo-in Temple. Follow the river north and then turn east towards the temple.

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Discover more about Fudo-in

Fudo-in Temple, nestled in Higashi Ward, Hiroshima, is a significant cultural landmark with a history stretching back to the Heian period (794-1185). While its early history is not entirely clear, inscriptions suggest a temple existed on this site for centuries. During the 1300s, it was known as Ankoku-ji, one of a network of temples dedicated to appeasing the spirits of dead samurai warriors. Rebuilt in the late 1500s after being destroyed in battle, the temple transitioned from the Zen to the Shingon sect after 1600, at which point it was renamed Fudo-in. The Kondo (main hall), constructed in 1540, is the largest remaining building in the Kara-yo (Chinese) architectural style and is designated as a National Treasure. Remarkably, the Kondo withstood the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945, serving as a symbol of resilience and a reminder of pre-war Hiroshima. Visitors can explore the peaceful temple grounds, admiring the two-story main gate dating back to 1594 and the Nio statues believed to be even older. The temple also features a vermilion-colored bell tower dating back to 1433, adding a vibrant contrast to the dark main hall and surrounding greenery. While the interior of the Kondo is not typically open to the public, the exterior and surrounding gardens offer a serene and historically rich experience. Fudo-in is also known as a beautiful spot for maple trees, with the area turning red and yellow in the fall.

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