FUKOJI TEMPLE / Bungo-Ono City

Fukoji Temple in Bungo–Ono City, is a historic temple believed to have been established during the Asuka period. The Magaibutsu Buddha statues, believed to have been carved into the rock walls of the temple grounds during the Kamakura period, stand at 11.3 m tall and feature a majestic image of Fudo Myo–ou, accompanied by Seitaka Doji and Kongara Doji. Together with the Kumano Magaibutsu on the Kunisaki Peninsula, this is recognised as one of the largest magaibutsu in Japan.

The perfect time to visit is during the rainy season, when the rain–soaked rock surface makes the halo flames emerge more vividly, enhancing the majesty of the Buddha statues even more. Fukoji Temple is also referred to as the ‘Hydrangea Temple’ and boasts around 3,000 hydrangea plants that bloom beautifully on the temple grounds from mid–June to July. The temple attracts many tourists at this time of year, as the vibrant flowers complement the historical Buddhist statues. By reserving ahead of time, you can even experience meditation on a suspended stage built into the rock cave. In this tranquil space, surrounded by the sounds of the water and the breeze, visitors can spend a memorable time reflectly quietly.