遠州大念仏 (Enshu Buddhist Chanting Ritual)

The Enshu Dainenbutsu in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka happens around every July 14. In this local traditional performance, a procession of chanters and people with flutes, drums, cymbals and lanterns visit the homes of families who have lost a loved one in the last year.

摩訶耶寺 (Makaya-ji)

The Makaya-ji in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka is a temple where one can find the oldest garden in the prefecture, reminiscent of Kyoto’s Koke-dera. It was built in 726 and contains some important cultural artifacts. Especially impressive is the wooden statue of Senju-Kannon with one thousand arms.

龍潭寺 (Ryotan-ji Temple)

The Ryotan-ji in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka is particularly famous for its flooring known as the “nightingale flooring”. When walked on, the flooring makes subtle bird sounds to warn of intruders. The garden here is a nationally designated scenic beauty. On the south side of the temple is a well which belonged to the founder of the Ii clan in the early 11th century.

鴨江観音 (Kamoe Kannon)

The Kamoe Kannon in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka is famous for having the oldest garden in the prefecture, reminiscent of Kyoto’s Koke-dera. The temple was built in 726 and contains some important cultural artifacts. Especially impressive is the wooden statue of Senju-Kannon with one thousand arms.

寶林寺 (Horin-ji Temple)

The Horin-ji in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka was established by an invited Chinese Zen master in 1667. It is a fine example of late Ming Dynasty Chinese architecture. The Buddha hall and the priest’s residence are both designated National Important Cultural Properties. 

大福寺 (Daifuku-ji Temple)

The Daifuku-ji in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka is a mountain temple overlooking the small Inohana lake. Deva statues can be seen around its gates and it is considered as an excellent place to view cherry blossoms during spring. It is particularly known for its Hantoshi-zakura cherry blossoms which are in bloom from mid-autumn to early spring.

方広寺半僧坊 (Hokoji Hansobo)

The Hokoji Hansobo in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka is a Buddhist monastery nestled among pines, cherry blossom, peach, and other trees. Visitors can walk through the buildings, but shoes are not allowed inside.

法多山尊永寺 (Hatta-san Son’eiji Temple)

The Hatta-san Son’eiji Temple in Fukuroi, Shizuoka was established in 725 by Emperor Shomu and is one of the most important temples in the Enshu area. It is a famous place to pray for good luck, and the special dango sold here are supposed to ward off bad luck. With 700 cherry trees, it is also a special place during Hanami.

柚ノ木灯篭 (Citron Tree Stone Lantern)

Yunoki-doro is the second oldest type of lantern in Japan, found specifically at Kasuga Shrine. The style of making it goes back to the Heian Period. Structure-wise, the post has rings carved at the bottom, middle and top, and the hexagonal base and middle platform are carved with lotuses. The umbrella in simple and has neither warabite or an ukebana. This type of lantern became famous in tea house gardens during the Edo Period.

春日灯籠 (Kasuga-Doro)

Kasuga-doro is a very common temple and shrine lantern named after the Kasuga-Taisha. Structure-wise, the umbrella is small and has either six or eight sides with warabite at the corners. The fire box is either hexagonal or square with carvings representing deers, the sun, or the moon. Tall and thin, it is often found near the second torii of a shrine. 

台灯籠 (Platform Lamp)

Dai-doro are lamps often made of stone and are often seen in shrines, temples, and gardens.

金銅燈籠 (Gilt Bronze Lantern)

Kondo-Doro are bronze lanterns that have a long history in Japan but are not as common or as diverse as the stone ones. In their classic form, they are divided in sections that represent the five elements of Buddhist cosmology.

掻灯 (Tsuri-Doro)

Tsuri-Doro, or Kaitomoshi, are hanging lanterns that are small, four or six-sided, and are made in metal, wood, or copper. They were introduced from China via Korea during the Nara Period and were initially used in imperial palaces.

灯籠 (Light Tower)

A Tourou is a traditional lantern made of stone, wood, or metal. They were originally used in Buddhist temples where they lined and illuminated paths. Lit lamps were considered to be offerings to Buddha but over the years, Shinto shrines have also began to use them.

制札 (Seisatsu)

A Seisatsu is a signboard found in Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples containing announcements and rules for worshipers