Hattasan Daisorei

Hattasan Sonei-ji is a Shingon Buddhist temple in Fukuroi, Shizuoka Prefecture, founded in 725 and long revered as a place of good fortune. The principal statue of Avalokitesvara (Kannon) is attributed to the monk Gyoki and is believed to ward off evil and bring prosperity, drawing steady streams of worshippers throughout the year. The temple grounds feature handsome historic buildings, manicured Japanese gardens, and a lively approach lined with vendors selling kusa-mochi (mugwort dumplings) and other traditional snacks. The Hattasan Daisorei festival in September fills the grounds with portable shrines, fireworks, and energetic crowds, but on ordinary days the temple has a welcoming, unhurried calm.