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Sōjiji Temple: A Zen Oasis

Discover tranquility at Sōjiji Temple in Ibaraki, Osaka, a historic Buddhist sanctuary and a stop on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage.

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Sōjiji Temple, located in Ibaraki, Osaka, is a serene Buddhist temple with a rich history and tranquil atmosphere. As the 22nd temple of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, it offers visitors a peaceful escape and a glimpse into Japanese religious traditions.

A brief summary to Sōjiji

  • Monday 6 am-5 pm
  • Tuesday 6 am-5 pm
  • Wednesday 6 am-5 pm
  • Thursday 6 am-5 pm
  • Friday 6 am-5 pm
  • Saturday 6 am-5 pm
  • Sunday 6 am-5 pm

Local tips

  • Visit on April 18th to witness the unique Yamakage-ryu knife-making ceremony.
  • Explore the temple grounds to find the knife mound and other interesting monuments.
  • Take a moment for quiet contemplation in the peaceful atmosphere of the temple.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Osaka, take the JR Kyoto Line to JR Sojiji Station or the Hankyu Kyoto Line to Sojiji Station. From either station, it is a short 5-minute walk to the temple. The train journey from Osaka to Ibaraki takes approximately 12-13 minutes and costs ¥200-¥290. Alternatively, from Hankyu Ibaraki Station, take the Keihan Bus to JR Ibaraki. The bus ride takes approximately 9 minutes and costs ¥250.

  • Walking

    From JR Ibaraki Station, it is approximately a 30-minute walk to Sojiji Temple. Follow the main road heading west, then turn north towards the temple. From Sojiji Station on the Hankyu Kyoto Line, it is a 5-minute walk to the temple.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available from both JR Ibaraki Station and Sojiji Station. The taxi ride from either station to the temple is short, costing approximately ¥680-¥850.

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Discover more about Sōjiji

Sōjiji Temple, formally known as Shogakusan Sōjiji, is a Koyasan Shingon sect temple with a history stretching back to 886. Founded by Fujiwara no Yamakage, known as the "father of the art of knife-making", the temple is famous for its Yamakage-ryu knife-making ceremony held annually on April 18th. According to legend, Yamakage's life was saved by a turtle, leading to the enshrinement of the Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva on the back of a turtle as the temple's main image. Sōjiji is the 22nd temple of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage, attracting visitors seeking spiritual solace and cultural enrichment. The temple grounds provide a tranquil environment for exploration, with various halls and monuments to discover. The temple is also known as the sixth boke-fuji Kinki Juraku Kannon sacred site, where the Boke-fuji Fuhi-Kannon is enshrined. Visitors can admire the elegant knife skills during the Yamakage-ryu Knife Ceremony, where chefs prepare fish without touching it using only knives and chopsticks. The temple also features a knife mound where people donate unused knives in hopes of improving their cooking skills. While the Sōjiji Temple in Yokohama is the administrative heart of the Soto Zen school of Buddhism, the Sōjiji in Ibaraki offers its own unique charm and historical significance. Both temples share a connection to the Soto Zen tradition, with the Yokohama temple serving as one of the two head temples of the Soto Zen school, the other being Eiheiji Temple in Fukui Prefecture.

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