Kyozenji Temple

Kyozen-ji is a temple in Higashihiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Near the station, you can see its bengara-colored roof. It is a Jodo Shinshu Honganji-ha temple. In autumn, a ginkgo tree taller than the roof stands out prominently. Founded in the Muromachi period, it has a sutra storehouse and a bell tower. There is also a park, making it a play spot for children. The main hall is beautiful, having just undergone major repairs in 2003. The temple itself was also relocated to this location during the Taisho period as part of double-tracking construction on the Sanyo Line. Many people visit during the autumn foliage season. The kuri (temple kitchen/living quarters) within the temple is a historic structure, said to have been relocated by the Hiroshima Domain from the lecture hall of Hachijo-hara Castle during the late Edo to Meiji Restoration period, making this a temple with deep history. Next to Kyozen-ji is Matsuo Shrine, a guardian deity of sake brewing, and visiting them together is also recommended. Because it is close to the station and free to enter, it is popular with both tourists and local residents. To get to Kyozen-ji, it is just a short walk from Saijo Station on the JR Sanyo Main Line. When you get off the train, you can already see it across the road. Its location is so good that you can even see Kyozen-ji from the station.