Dating back as far as the 7th century, the Hōgon-ji Temple is an iconic sacred site wrapped up in myriad legends. It is said to be the birthplace of Buddhist legend Ippen, who started the Ji sect to which the temple is dedicated. Enjoy the utter serenity, as you make your way through the elegant and tranquil gardens.

Notice the kuhi stones and boulders decorating the grounds of the temple. Various artistic sculptures and traditional icons add to the Buddhist setting.

The tilted karamon gate dates back many centuries. Gaze up at the imposing structure of the main hall, whose undulating roof evokes the old-world feel of Japan. The temple stands on a hill, with sets of steps leading down to its platform. Admire the picturesque views of the dense forest surrounding it.

Practice meditation in this placid setting and test your ability to reach nirvana. Descend the many outdoor flights of steps to get to the Isaniwa Shrine, which has a bright red interior filled with traditional Buddhist décor. Marvel at the exceptional views of Matsuyama and chat with the locals as they mingle after attending wedding or birth ceremonies in this active spiritual hub.

Embark on a tour of the temples in this area with an English-speaking guide in order to learn more about the context and history behind them. Entrench yourself in the local culture by reading haikus. The three lines of five, seven and five syllables can succinctly express descriptions of nature’s beauty.

Find the Hōgon-ji Temple in the Dogoyuzukicho region on the eastern side of Matsuyama. Take the tram to the Dōgo Onsen station and walk east for about 10 minutes to reach the sacred site. While here, investigate neighboring attractions, including the Shiki Memorial Museum, Dōgo Park and the Yuzukijo Museum.