Hogon-ji Temple
A temple in Dogo said to be the birthplace of Ippen, founder of the Ji sect of Buddhism. The main hall was lost to fire in 2013 but was rebuilt in 2016.
Hogonji Temple is a Ji-shu sect temple located in Dogoyuzukicho, Matsuyama City, known as the birthplace of Ippen Shonin, the founder of the Ji-shu sect. It is located near Dogo Onsen Honkan, on top of a slope.
Birthplace of Ippen Shonin
It is said that Ippen was born in a corner of this temple in 1239 as the second child of Kono Michihiro, a powerful family in Iyo. Visitors come to this place associated with Ippen, who traveled nationwide to spread "odori-nembutsu" (dancing nembutsu).
Fire and Reconstruction
On August 10, 2013, the main hall and the priests' quarters were completely destroyed by a fire. In this fire, the "Wooden Standing Statue of Ippen Shonin," a national Important Cultural Property owned by the temple, was also destroyed by fire. This standing statue was made in 1475 during the Muromachi period and was designated as a former National Treasure (current Important Cultural Property) in 1901.
Afterward, reconstruction progressed with donations from temple supporters and various groups, and the dedication ceremony for the main hall and Ippen Shonin Hall was held on May 14, 2016.
Access
- About a 5-minute walk from Dogo Onsen Honkan
- Location: 5-4 Dogoyuzukicho, Matsuyama City
Source: "Hogonji (Matsuyama City)" Wikipedia (CC BY-SA), Ji-shu Dogo Hogonji Temple Official Website. Please check the venue or official website for visiting information.
Last verified: July 2026
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