Hompa Hongwanji

The Hompa Hongwanji Temple is located in the Little Tokyo district of downtown Los Angeles. The temple has a long history dating back to 1905, although the current structure was completed in 1969. The temple garden was dedicated in 1970, and additional features were added to the grounds during the 1980s.

Website: https://www.nishihongwanji-la.org/

It is recommended that you contact the temple before attempting to visit the garden, as doing so will increase the likelihood of gaining access.

The garden stretches along the front of the temple and features a variety of traditional plantings and hardscape elements.

Two large stone lanterns were added to the front of the temple in 1985.

A Japanese Spirit Mountain lantern is reminiscent of those found in Kyoto. It provides a welcome contrast to the more formal lanterns elsewhere in the garden and helps distinguish this section of the landscape as a unique design feature.

Several Yukimi-gata (snow-viewing) stone lantern represents a more traditional lantern style.

A 12-foot statue of Shinran Shonin, regarded as the founder of the Jōdo Shinshū school of Japanese Buddhism, was dedicated in 1973.

Nearby, a Kotoji-gata stone lantern stands behind the Shinran statue. Although this style of lantern is traditionally associated with water, the surrounding gravel appears to serve as a symbolic substitute.

In 1979, a large bell tower and bonshō bronze bell were dedicated and continue to play an important role in the temple's annual festivals.

Although not a traditional Japanese garden in the strictest sense, the landscape surrounding the temple represents an authentic application of Japanese garden design principles and complements the temple architecture. The addition of the statuary, lanterns, and bell tower enriches both the temple grounds and the visitor experience while reinforcing the temple's role as a cultural and religious center for the local Buddhist community. As a result, the temple and its gardens are well worth visiting for anyone interested in broadening their understanding of Japanese garden design.