Bamboo Grove
Hokokuji Temple is famous for its bamboo grove. The bamboo was planted in the middle of the Edo period (1603–1867) on the site of the former sub-temple Kyukoan, built for Hokokuji’s founding priest Tengan Eko (1273–1335). In his later years, Eko spent much of his time here, practicing zazen meditation and reading and composing poetry. The grove contains roughly 2,000 plants, most of which are moso bamboo—the fastest-growing variety. Moso is the hardest type of bamboo, used for making daily necessities like baskets.
The grove is a peaceful place, open for visitors to stroll through while enjoying the dappled sunlight and the sound of leaves rustling in the breeze. There is a teahouse in the grove, designed as a place for quiet relaxation. Two paths lead through the grove, meeting in front of the teahouse. Stone lanterns and moss-covered statues stand here and there among the bamboo. There is a small fee to enter the grove.