Despite over a millennium, Aki Kokubunji can trace its long and incredible history due to the meticulous recordkeeping of its adherents and caretakers. First built in 741 following the decree of Emperor Shomu, the original Aki Kokubunji temple was said to be built atop an even older Buddhist temple that existed on the land at least 150 years before. At that time, the site not only held a seven-story pagoda but also a nunnery. It was also during this time that Aki Kokubunji became a Shingon Buddhism sect.

Unfortunately, natural disasters and social unrest would cause the temple's decline throughout the centuries. One example is that during the Sengoku Era, the temple was granted by the Mori Clan 300 koku of land to support itself, however, the succeeding Fukushima and Asano clans seized these temple lands and left Aki Kokubunji impoverished. Temple Chief Hoin Yuyu restored the temple in 1757 , but another major fire took place in 1759 and nearly destroyed it.

It wouldn't be until 1967 that the temple would once again undertake major restorations, this time centered on restoring the goma hall. The bell tower and gate would be restored in 1977 , along with a new temple bell. Further improvements would continue in 1992 , after restoring the bell tower that was toppled by a typhoon. The main hall was finally reconstructed in 2004 , while guest quarters were added in 2016.

Design and Architecture

Though Aki Kokubunji was established in the Heian Era, the repeated disasters that plagued the temple's history often left it needing to be rebuilt every time. This means much of the temple, in the physical sense, can be considered modern. Even so, the buildings are built in the traditional style thus preserving in spirit its heritage. While far from its glory days, Aki Kokubunji does boast surviving artifacts from the previous centuries. These can be found and seen used in the main hall and ritual halls. As for guest lodgings at the shukubou, one could call it tastefully austere as it presents simple yet lovely decor, traditional tatami flooring, and sliding doors with colorful paintings.

As Buddhist temples are more strict when it comes to the tenets of their faith, guests staying at Aki Kokubunji Shukubou will also need to abide by the dietary culture as well. But that doesn't mean you'll be missing out on delicious food, as shukubou are also known to be creative when it comes to culinary pursuits. What may seem like a simple vegetarian breakfast can be a gateway to new flavors and can also encourage guests to embrace healthier food choices.

While less known compared to Shinto shrine weddings, Buddhist temples do also officiate wedding ceremonies. The matrimonial couple will be dressed in ceremonial kimono and will have a more solemn affair. If that sort of destination wedding is what you're looking for, then make sure to get in touch with Aki Kokubunji so you can get the info you need for your special day.

Cultural Experiences

As shukubou are lodgings with a more solemn and contemplative atmosphere, the activities and experiences offered also reflect the Buddhist temple's dignified and reflective environment. Boisterous revelry would certainly be far from what you should expect here, however, and you'll have to look for that somewhere else far from the sacred grounds. Instead, guests will be participating in Zen meditation and sutra chanting rituals. These help cultivate a calmer heart and mind and can be practiced further as a form of stress relief. Sutra copying activities can be seen as a form of spiritual training as participants also apply meditation and focus. Foreign guests unfamiliar with kanji can still participate and will be taught calligraphy during the session. One of the more eye-catching rituals at a Buddhist temple is goma-gyo where participants chant mantras at a roaring flame. Here, guests can offer sincere and heartfelt prayers while more worldly desires are cast into the fire as a form of spiritual cleansing.

Outside of the temple, there are local attractions that are worth a visit while in Higashihiroshima. The Higashihiroshima Museum of Art is a modern museum featuring foreign and local contemporary works, while the Saijo Sake Brewery Street is an old neighborhood lined with sake shops and breweries that have been around for generations.

Other Celebrations

Revelry would be incompatible at a Buddhist temple setting, so any small parties for a birthday or anniversary would have to be held outside the shukubou. That said, the monks are considered pillars of the community and foster close ties with the people, so they may still be able to recommend venues or establishments suitable for your celebration.