古びた山門
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Choshoji Temple

4.1
·315 reviews·Hirosaki, Japan

A serene, ancient temple with a striking thatched roof, rich in cultural heritage and offering peaceful contemplation.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Winter mornings

Majestic snow-covered scenery

CrowdLow
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古びた山門

Choshoji Temple

Best Time

Winter mornings

Majestic snow-covered scenery

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A serene, ancient temple with a striking thatched roof, rich in cultural heritage and offering peaceful contemplation.

4.1
(315 reviews)

"One of THE most underrated tourist site in all of Japan, especially during winter!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Peaceful Stroll

Enjoy the quiet and serene atmosphere, often with very few tourists. Perfect for a relaxing visit.

🏛️ Admire Details

Look closely for incredible, almost unnoticeable details on the ancient structures.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Thatched Roof Main Hall

Thatched Roof Main Hall

Main Hall

Admire the traditional thatched roof, a testament to centuries of craftsmanship and a symbol of enduring Japanese architecture.

Zenrin Plaza View

Zenrin Plaza View

Zenrin Plaza

Enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of Hirosaki city and Mount Iwaki from this scenic vantage point.

Approach Lined with Temples

Approach Lined with Temples

Temple Approach

Stroll along the approximately 600m 'Zenrin Street' lined with 33 temples, creating a unique and atmospheric journey.

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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Tranquility

Choshoji Temple offers a peaceful escape, often with fewer crowds than major tourist hubs. Plan your visit to soak in the serene atmosphere and appreciate its historical significance without feeling rushed. Consider visiting during off-peak hours for an even more contemplative experience.

Cultural Immersion

This temple is a treasure trove of cultural properties. Take your time to explore the intricate details of the architecture and learn about its rich history. Engaging with local events or guided tours, if available, can deepen your understanding and appreciation of this ancient site.

Best Times

When
Winter mornings
Why
Majestic snow-covered scenery
Crowd
Low
When
Spring afternoons
Why
Mild weather, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Autumn evenings
Why
Serene atmosphere, beautiful light
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Temple Choshoji...(長勝寺) A famous temple that owns many national, prefectural, and city-designated cultural properties. Location: Ibaraki, Japan • • • • #japantravel #traveljapan #japan #scenery #landscape #beautiful #nature #flowers #hydrangea #reelsinstagram #spring #summer #explore #rainyseason #naturephotography #temple #japanesegarden #travel #travelgram #beautifuldestinations #peace...
lovenature0409
115 likes • 1K views

🚶‍♀️ Peaceful Stroll

Enjoy the quiet and serene atmosphere, often with very few tourists. Perfect for a relaxing visit. Reddit

🏛️ Admire Details

Look closely for incredible, almost unnoticeable details on the ancient structures. Reddit

【𝟔.𝟖(土)お寺で着付け】*𝘍𝘰𝘳𝘦𝘪𝘨𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘸𝘦𝘭𝘤𝘰𝘮𝘦* このたび大田区にある長勝寺さんにてレッスンさせていただく運びとなりました🥹✨凛と佇む素敵なお寺です。 涼やかな風が気持ちよく、自然と深呼吸…🫧 現在予定している長勝寺でのレッスンはこの日のみですので、ぜひに!!ご参加ください✨ ♦︎♦︎ 着付けワンデーレッスン ♦︎♦︎ 🌱気軽にトライしてみたい!方に 🌱夏のイベントに向けて☺️浴衣と半巾帯の着付けレッスンです! 🌱浴衣のたたみ方、ご家庭でのお洗濯豆知識などもお伝えいたします 𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃 𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃𓂃 < 日 > 6月8日(土) <時間> 13:30-15:30 <料金> 3000円 <会場> 長勝寺 ▪︎東京都大田区中央6丁目6-5 ▪︎最寄駅: 西馬込駅(都営浅草線) <持ち物> 浴衣・半巾帯・腰紐 ✴︎お...
m_asa___
0 likes • 2.8K views
I visited Choshoji Temple 長昌寺 in Maebashi for a stroll. I always seem to see something new every time I visit one of these places. #maebashi #gunma #buddhisttemple #sightseeing #injapan #fromjapan #oldjapan #buddhastatues
runonframes
39 likes • 1.6K views

🌸 Seasonal Beauty

Visit during different seasons to experience the temple's charm, from snow-covered majesty to vibrant greenery. TikTok

🍶 Sake Enthusiast's Delight

Explore nearby local sake breweries for an enhanced experience. Reddit

June 2025 茨城県潮来市の海雲山長勝寺 #長勝寺 #潮来 #潮来市#潮来あやめ祭り #潮来観光 #茨城観光 #茨城 #お寺 #寺 #神社仏閣 #茅葺き屋根 #茅葺 #茅葺き #temple #buddhisttemple #choshoji #itakn #潮来長勝寺 #visitjapanjp #japantrip #japantravel #japaneseculture #japan #thatchedroof #japanesetemple #lovers_nippon #寺院 #日本旅遊 #japanesearchitecture #buddhist
mahoroba_samurai
22 likes • 151 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Peaceful Stroll

Enjoy the quiet and serene atmosphere, often with very few tourists. Perfect for a relaxing visit. Reddit

🏛️ Admire Details

Look closely for incredible, almost unnoticeable details on the ancient structures. Reddit

🌸 Seasonal Beauty

Visit during different seasons to experience the temple's charm, from snow-covered majesty to vibrant greenery. TikTok

🍶 Sake Enthusiast's Delight

Explore nearby local sake breweries for an enhanced experience. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.1
(315 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Choshoji Temple is lauded as an underrated gem, praised for its profound peace and stunning, ancient architecture, particularly its iconic thatched roof. Visitors appreciate the lack of crowds, allowing for a truly serene experience. However, some note it might not be a primary tourist destination for everyone.

"400 years old temple located at the end of the road. Very peaceful and not the usual place where you can see lots of crowd. At the front of the temple, you can walk over to the hill side where you can have an overview of Hiroseki ciry."

Andy Teo

"I visited Choshoji Temple as part of my trip to Hirosaki in early March 2024, when the snow remained. The sight of the many temples and cedar trees lining the approach to the temple was spectacular. Also the sight of Choshoji Temple itself standing in the snow was majestic and beautiful. The view of Mt. Iwaki from the nearby Zenrin Plaza is spectacular! There are many local sake breweries nearby, making it a place where people who're interested in sake can enjoy it even more."

Mariko

"One of THE most underrated tourist site in all of Japan, especially during winter!"

Ian Gazny Yaacob

What People Like

Peaceful and serene atmosphere
Ancient, stunning architecture
Few tourists

What People Dislike

Not a primary tourist spot

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Choshoji Temple is located in Hirosaki, Aomori Prefecture. From Hirosaki Station, you can take a bus or taxi towards the temple. The approach to the temple, known as 'Zenrin Street,' is lined with other temples, making the journey itself an experience. TikTokInstagram

Yes, public transport is available to reach the vicinity of Choshoji Temple. Buses from Hirosaki Station are a common option. It's advisable to check local bus schedules in advance. TikTok

A taxi or a local bus are the most convenient ways to reach Choshoji Temple from Hirosaki city center. The journey offers glimpses of the surrounding area and the approach to the temple. TikTok

While specific parking details can vary, many temples in Japan offer some parking. It's recommended to inquire locally or check for designated parking areas upon arrival, especially if driving. Instagram

Walking from Hirosaki Station to Choshoji Temple is a considerable distance and not typically recommended for most visitors. Public transport or a taxi is a more practical option. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Opening hours for Choshoji Temple are not always strictly defined for general visiting, as it is a functioning temple. However, specific events or guided tours may have set times. It's best to visit during daylight hours. TikTok

Generally, visiting the grounds of Choshoji Temple is free. However, for special events or access to specific buildings, there might be an admission fee. For example, a 'Kimono Wearing Lesson' event was priced at 3000 yen. TikTok

For general visits, advance booking is usually not required. However, if you plan to attend a special event or a guided tour, it's advisable to check for reservation requirements. TikTok

To experience the temple's tranquility, visiting during weekdays and outside of major Japanese holidays is recommended. Early mornings or late afternoons can also offer a more peaceful experience. Reddit

Yes, Choshoji Temple occasionally hosts events such as 'Great Prajnamiya' or cultural workshops like kimono wearing lessons. It's worth checking their local schedule for any upcoming activities. TikTokInstagram

🎫 🏛️ Onsite Experience

Key attractions include the historic Main Hall with its distinctive thatched roof, the serene temple grounds, and the scenic approach lined with other temples. The view from Zenrin Plaza is also a highlight. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Choshoji Temple offers numerous picturesque spots, from its traditional architecture and thatched roof to the atmospheric temple approach and surrounding nature. TikTokInstagram

Founded in 1185, Choshoji Temple is a significant historical site, housing numerous national, prefectural, and city-designated cultural properties. It has a long history tied to samurai and local lords. Instagram+1

Yes, the area around Choshoji Temple is rich in history and culture. The 'Zenrin Plaza' offers great views, and there are also local sake breweries nearby for exploration. Reddit

Visitors often describe the atmosphere as peaceful, tranquil, and serene, especially due to the typically low number of tourists. It's a place to reflect and appreciate history. Reddit

🍽️ 🍶 Food & Dining

Direct dining facilities within Choshoji Temple itself are uncommon. However, the surrounding area, particularly near Hirosaki city, offers various restaurants and local eateries. Reddit

The region is known for its local sake breweries, so sampling regional sake is a must. You might also find local specialties in restaurants in Hirosaki city. Reddit

Finding specific vegetarian or vegan options might require research in the nearby city of Hirosaki. Traditional Japanese cuisine can sometimes be adapted, but it's best to inquire at restaurants. Reddit

While not directly at the temple, you might find small cafes or tea houses in the town of Hirosaki, offering a place to rest and enjoy local refreshments. Reddit

Exploring the town of Hirosaki and its local eateries is the best way to experience the regional cuisine. Don't miss the opportunity to try local sake. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The thatched-roof main hall, the atmospheric temple approach lined with trees and other temples, and the panoramic views from Zenrin Plaza are excellent for photography. The winter snow adds a unique charm. TikTokInstagramReddit

Drone usage is generally restricted at religious sites and cultural heritage locations to preserve the atmosphere and prevent disturbance. It's best to assume it's not permitted unless explicitly stated otherwise. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, creating a serene and dramatic atmosphere. Golden hour can be particularly beautiful. Instagram

Yes, many of the ancient structures feature intricate carvings, roof details, and weathered textures that make for compelling close-up photographs. Reddit

Photography rules inside temple buildings can vary. It's respectful to look for signage or ask temple staff before taking photos inside the main hall or other restricted areas. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Choshoji Temple can be a peaceful outing for families, offering a glimpse into Japanese culture and history. While it's not an amusement park, the spacious grounds allow children to explore and the unique architecture, like the thatched roof, can spark their curiosity. The serene atmosphere encourages a calmer pace, which can be beneficial for younger children. Instagram

Consider focusing on the visual aspects – the impressive buildings, the approach lined with temples, and the views from Zenrin Plaza. Pack snacks and drinks, as dining options directly at the temple are limited. The quiet environment makes it a good place for a reflective family walk, especially if you can share simple stories about the temple's history. Reddit

🚶‍♂️ Solo Travelers

Choshoji Temple is an ideal destination for solo travelers seeking tranquility and a deeper connection with Japanese culture. The typically low visitor numbers mean you can explore at your own pace, immersing yourself in the peaceful atmosphere without feeling rushed. Reddit

Take advantage of the quiet to appreciate the intricate details of the architecture and the historical significance of the site. The scenic views from Zenrin Plaza offer a moment of reflection. Consider visiting nearby sake breweries to enhance your solo exploration of the region. Reddit

📸 Photographers

For photographers, Choshoji Temple is a dream location. The thatched-roof main hall offers a classic Japanese aesthetic, while the 'Zenrin Street' approach provides a unique, atmospheric pathway. The panoramic views from Zenrin Plaza are perfect for landscape shots, especially with Mount Iwaki as a backdrop. Instagram+1

Experiment with different times of day to capture the best light – golden hour can be particularly magical. Winter visits offer dramatic snow-covered scenes, while other seasons provide lush greenery or autumn colors. Don't miss the opportunity for close-up shots of the intricate architectural details that are often overlooked. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

A Glimpse into History

Choshoji Temple boasts a profound historical lineage, founded in 1185. It is recognized for housing a significant collection of national, prefectural, and city-designated cultural properties, underscoring its importance in Japanese heritage. The temple's history is intertwined with the samurai era, with its structures reflecting periods of prosperity and decline. Instagram+1

One notable aspect is its connection to the powerful Minamoto clan. The temple's reconstruction and preservation efforts, particularly during the Edo period and later, highlight its enduring significance. The main hall, with its distinctive thatched roof, is a prime example of traditional Japanese temple architecture, dating back to the Genroku era (1688-1704). Instagram

Visitors can explore the temple grounds and appreciate the architectural nuances that tell stories of centuries past. The approach to the temple, known as 'Zenrin Street,' is a unique feature, lined with 33 temples, creating an immersive historical journey. Instagram

Architectural Marvels and Serene Landscapes

The thatched-roof main hall of Choshoji Temple is a striking visual element, showcasing traditional Japanese craftsmanship. Its construction dates back to the Genroku era, and its enduring presence is a testament to meticulous upkeep. The temple's design often evokes a sense of calm and rustic beauty, enhanced by its natural surroundings. Instagram+1

Beyond the main hall, the temple grounds offer a tranquil environment for contemplation. The approach to the temple, known as 'Zenrin Street,' is particularly atmospheric, with numerous smaller temples creating a unique pathway. This serene setting is often highlighted by visitors seeking a peaceful escape from bustling city life. InstagramReddit

For those seeking panoramic vistas, the Zenrin Plaza provides a spectacular viewpoint overlooking Hirosaki city and the majestic Mount Iwaki. This scenic spot adds another dimension to the visitor experience, blending cultural exploration with natural beauty. Reddit

Experiencing Choshoji Temple in Winter

Visiting Choshoji Temple during winter offers a uniquely breathtaking experience. The snow-covered landscape transforms the temple grounds into a serene, almost ethereal scene. The contrast of the white snow against the traditional temple architecture creates a majestic and beautiful sight. Reddit

Many visitors find the winter months to be one of the most underrated times to visit, as the usual crowds are significantly reduced, allowing for a more intimate and reflective experience. The quiet solitude amidst the snow enhances the temple's peaceful ambiance. Reddit

The sight of the temple standing majestically in the snow is often described as awe-inspiring. It's a perfect opportunity for photographers seeking dramatic and serene winter landscapes. Reddit

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