Hosenji — Attraction in Kanazawa

Hōsenji ( "Treasure Spring Temple", 寶泉寺) one of the Sandaimarishiten ("Three Great Sanctuaries of Marishiten", 三大摩利支天, Sanskrit.: Mārīcī devī) is a Shingonshū Buddhist temple built by the Maeda clan who honoured Marishiten as their guardian deity. Situated on top of a small mountain overlooking Kanazawa, the beautifully mystical temple resides in a small but ancient forest, strooned with old and unusual Buddhist statues.

The temple is important for me as Marishiten is the guardian deity of our school of traditional Kenjutsu. I started my small pilgrimage to the Three Great Marishiten Sanctuaries here on a cloudy cold day. The temple was being renovated and looked closed, with no one around, but I did not want to give up without obtaining the goshūin (seal) of the temple and I rang on the bell of the monk's house.

Not only did he open, but also dressed in his robes, agreed to write a goshūin for me and even gave me a signed postcard for free, even though I probably insulted him with my ill-mannered requests, besides having already disturbed him in his house. I am very grateful and hope he can forgive me. 🙏🙏🙏 I hope I can visit again one day under better circumstances.

Hōsenji is a mystical hidden place. Definitely visit it if you're in Kanazawa.

P.S. The goshūin is really beautiful and the monk's...

It takes a bit of climbing to get up here but if you're visiting the Higashi Chaya District and can spare the time it's a worthwhile detour. The temple feels a world away from the crowds down the hill and it has decent views of the nearby area. Stairs leading up to the temple can be found off of the road that is directly...

Beautiful temple with great views of the city. Small bamboo forest, as well as some torii gates. A nice break from the bustling area of Higashi...