Tourist Attractions and Experiences

Hirokawadera Temple

Hirokawadera Temple stands amid the foothills of Mt. Katsuragi. It is an ancient institution, said to have been founded by legendary mystic En no Ozunu. It is also famous as the location of ancient poet Saigyo's death, and features both his burial mound and a Saigyo Memorial Museum.

Hirokawadera Temple is known as the place where the late-Heian era poet Saigyo passed away during the cherry blossom season, just as he had written in his works. Located at the foot of Mt. Katsuragi, the temple's surroundings are famous for their cherry blossoms.Popular belief holds that the temple was founded in 665 by En no Ozunu. The priest Gyoki would later train here in 737, and it is also believed that the monk Kukai went on to restore the location in 812. The temple was destroyed in war previously, but restored soon after. Structures, including the main hall, were rebuilt, and stand to the present day. The temple also houses Saigyo's grave and a Saigyo Hall. Statues, writings, resources, and paintings of or related to Saigyo also fill the Saigyo Memorial Museum.

Basic information

Parking Available
child

Open: Honbo garden viewing and Saigyo Memorial Museum 10:00 - 17:00

Holidays: No designated days closed, however the opening period of Saigyo Memorial Museum is April 1st to May 10th (spring), and October 20th to November 30th (autumn)

Price: Honbo garden viewing and Saigyo Memorial Museum: adults ¥500, children ¥200

Languages: Available

Directions: Board a Kongo Bus bound for Kawachi from platform 3 of Tondabayashi Station on the Kintetsu Nagano Line; 200-meter walk from the Kawachi bus stop