Shōbōji Temple: A Journey Through History and Nature

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Discover a historic Buddhist temple in Higashimatsuyama, featuring a giant ginkgo tree and serene atmosphere.

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Shōbōji

Shōbōji, also known as Iwadono Kannon, is a historic Buddhist temple in Higashimatsuyama, Saitama, Japan. As the 10th temple of the Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, it features a wooden Kannon temple, the city's oldest bell tower, and a giant ginkgo tree estimated to be over 700 years old.

A brief summary to Shōbōji

1229 Iwadono, Higashimatsuyama, Iwadono, Saitama, 355-0065, JP
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From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Shōbōji.

Visit in late November or early December to witness the ginkgo tree's stunning golden foliage.
Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the stone steps to the main temple area.
Check the temple's website for information on any special events or light-ups.

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Getting There

Public Transport

From the west exit of Tobu Tojo Line's Takasaka Station, take a bus headed for Hatoyama New Town. Get off at Daito Bunka Daigaku and walk for 10 minutes to reach Shōbōji Temple. The train fare from Ikebukuro to Higashi-Matsuyama is between ¥700 and ¥1,200. Bus fare is approximately ¥200-400.
Car

From the Higashi Matsuyama Interchange on the Kan-Etsu Expressway, drive for 20 minutes in the direction of Kawagoe/Kawajima. Free parking is available for both cars and large buses. However, parking may be limited during peak seasons.

Discover more about Shōbōji

Nestled in the Iwadono area of Higashimatsuyama, Saitama Prefecture, Shōbōji Temple, also known as Iwadono Kannon, offers a serene escape into Japanese history and natural beauty. This temple, with its roots stretching back centuries, stands as the 10th sacred site on the Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage, a testament to its enduring spiritual significance.During the Sengoku period, Shōbōji played a strategic role as the main camp for the Takeda forces during the siege of Matsuyama Castle. Today, visitors can explore the temple grounds, passing through rows of houses that once concealed throngs of visitors, eventually arriving at the Niomon Gate. Climbing the stone steps reveals the city's oldest bell tower, a wooden temple dedicated to Kannon, and the temple's highlight: a massive ginkgo tree.The ginkgo tree, estimated to be over 700 years old, is a designated municipal natural monument. Its trunk measures approximately 11 meters in circumference, and it stands about 31 meters tall. In early December, the tree's leaves turn a spectacular golden color, drawing photographers, artists, and tourists alike. The temple has been damaged by fire several times throughout its 1,300-year history, yet the ginkgo tree has remained mostly unscathed.