A Peaceful Escape: Visiting Choanji Temple in Hakone

 Enjoy the seasons in Hakone (YouTube link)

Autumn Colors

Nestled in Hakone's Sengokuhara area, Choanji Temple (長安寺, Chōanji) is a haven of tranquility for Zen Buddhism practitioners and sightseers alike. This Soto school temple boasts several reasons to add it to your itinerary:

• Steeped in History: Explore the main hall, a testament to the temple's rich past.
• Tranquil Escape: Wander through a network of peaceful walking trails.
• Fall Foliage Spectacle: Witness the breathtaking display of autumn leaves, with maples reaching their peak vibrancy around mid-November.
• Unique Rakan Statues: Encounter over two hundred statues of Buddha's disciples (rakan) scattered throughout the serene grounds.

How to Access

Choanji Temple is located just a two-minute walk from Sengoku (仙石) bus stop, which is served by Hakone Tozan Buses and Odakyu Buses. The one way ride from Hakone-Yumoto takes about 25 minutes and cost 750 yen, while from Togendai it takes 10-15 minutes and costs 440 yen. Buses depart several times per hour and are covered by the Hakone Free Pass.

Below pictures show the route from both Hakone-Yumoto and Togendai using Hakone Bus Route Search Site here:

Bus Ride from Hakone-Yumoto to Sengoku  (仙石) Bus Stop

Bus Ride from Togendai to Sengoku (仙石) Bus Stop

References

1. 長安寺ちょうあんじ
2. Choanji Temple
3. Hakone Freepass (offered by Odakyu)
4. How to purchase tickets
5. Hakone Tozan Bus
6. Hakone Travel (Total 17 articles on this blogger)