Buddhist temple
Hōkō-ji
放光寺（ほうこうじ）
Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture
A Sōtō temple on Shiroyama in Matsumoto, also called “Matsumoto Nikkō.” Its life-sized principal image, Jūichimen Kannon, designated a Prefectural Treasure, has long been revered as a Yakuyoke Kannon (Kannon for warding off misfortune).
English pages are the site’s own translations of its Japanese pages. The sources cited are in Japanese. 日本語で読む
Prayers associated with this place
Principal image: Jūichimen Kannon
History and things to know
According to temple tradition, it began in Tenpyō 2 (730) when Gyōki installed a Jūichimen Kannon and called the temple Nikkō Hōkō-ji. It was abolished in Meiji 5 during the anti-Buddhist movement (haibutsu kishaku), but was revived as a Sōtō temple in Taishō 13, and in Shōwa 4 the present main hall was built on the site of the former Kannon hall.
Introduced by this site, based on materials from the shrine or temple and public bodies.
Related kami and buddhas
Before you visit
Opening hours, access, areas open to visitors, and events can change. Please check the latest guidance from the shrine or temple itself before you go.
Official website of the shrine or temple (may be in Japanese)
Sources (in Japanese)
- 放光寺「御祭神・御本尊・由緒の公式案内」（2026-10-22 確認）
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