The temple is quietly located in Itami City, Hyogo Prefecture.

It looks like a modern building from the outside, but as soon as you step inside, you will be greeted by the magnificent Amitabha Buddha.

Amida has a gentle gaze, as if he is about to turn around.

The main hall is adorned with a variety of rare and little-known Buddhist statues not usually found in Japanese temples, including a statue of the ascetic monk, Shakyamuni, giving this area an esoteric feel.

Shiozawa’s phoenix painting, which is perfect for Hooin, is also on display in the phoenix charnel house columbarium.

With Chief Priest Terakawa we discussed how the ethics and morals of modern Buddhist temples in Japan are now askew, and what could be done by us to rectify this problem.

We realized once again the crucial role that art can play in returning Buddhism in Japanese society back to its true state.