The temple features over 1,000 stone Jizo statues, which are bodhisattvas believed to protect children and travelers.
The floor reflection effect is produced by a specialized wax-polishing method applied to the Japanese cedar wood.
It is a Sōtō Zen temple, the largest of the three traditional sects of Zen in Japanese Buddhism.
The temple grounds are intentionally landscaped to mirror the changing colors of the nearby mountainous terrain in Kiryu.
Hotoku-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple in Kiryu famous for its polished wood floor that creates a distinct mirror-like reflection of the surrounding seasonal garden. The temple grounds feature a prominent collection of over 1,000 small stone Jizo statues known as Sen-tai Jizo. The architecture is representative of the Sōtō sect of Zen Buddhism. The inner sanctum is characterized by its dark, highly reflective wooden surfaces which are maintained through traditional floor-polishing techniques. The gardens are designed to transition through distinct color palettes during spring cherry blossoms and autumn foliage. The site serves as an active place of worship and a designated location for traditional cultural preservation in the Gunma prefecture.
From the inner veranda looking outward toward the garden, capturing the floor reflection of the foliage.
Wear socks that are easy to slip on and off, as shoes must be removed before entering the main temple building.
Visit during the early morning hours to capture the clearest reflections on the floor before high foot traffic disrupts the surface.
Check the temple's official social media channels for updates on seasonal flower blooms.
Do not attempt to photograph private ritual areas or monks during prayer services.
Remove shoes at the entrance, maintain a quiet voice, and do not touch the Jizo statues.
