Sōgen-ji Temple

What it is

• Soto Zen temple in Ota City, Gunma Prefecture.
• Founded in 1187 by Nitta Yoshishige.
• Main hall built around 1793 by Machida Hyobu Eisei.
• One of Japan's three Sazae-do structures.

What to see

• Main hall, known as Sazae-do.
• Interior of Sazae-do has 100 Kannon statues.
• Sazae-do allows clockwise pilgrimage inside.
• Grounds feature 100 hydrangea bushes.
• Sazae-do is a National Important Cultural Property.

When to go

• Known as Gunma's Hydrangea Temple.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.