A Nunnery with a National Treasure and a Strolling Garden
Hokkeji is a historic nunnery counted among the Three Great Monzeki Nunneries of Yamato (the ancient name for Nara).
It was founded during the Nara period by Empress Kōmyō, who established it as the head temple for nuns (kokubunni-ji) on the former estate of her father, Fujiwara no Fuhito. This was in contrast to Tōdaiji, the head temple for monks founded by her husband, Emperor Shōmu.
The temple’s official name is Hokke Metzuzai-ji, meaning "Temple of the Lotus Sutra for the Elimination of Sins." At its height, it featured a full seven-hall compound (shichidō garan) and flourished as a major religious center.
Although it declined after the capital moved to Kyoto, the temple was later restored to its current layout thanks to Yodogimi (Lady Yodo), mother of Toyotomi Hideyori, during the late 16th century.
The current Main Hall, rebuilt in the Momoyama period, showcases a blend of Tenpyō-style architecture (from the 8th century) and Momoyama-style design. It houses two National Treasures:
・A standing statue of Eleven-Headed Kannon Bodhisattva (Juichimen Kannon Bosatsu), the temple’s principal deity
・A seated statue of Vimalakīrti (Yui-ma Koji), a lay Buddhist sage
The Eleven-Headed Kannon is said to depict Empress Kōmyō crossing a lotus pond and is normally not on display. It is open to the public only three times a year — in spring, early summer, and autumn.
The temple grounds include two gardens: the National Historic and Scenic Garden, and the Karaku-en Garden, where seasonal flowers delight visitors throughout the year.
The historic garden, built in the early Edo period, covers about 500 tsubo (approximately 1,650 square meters) and is said to feature stones and trees brought from the gardens of the Sentō Imperial Palace in Kyoto.
The temple is also known for its dog-shaped protective charms. These cute amulets are handmade by mixing clay with sacred ash from Goma rituals and painted with colorful patterns.
