In Kitahiroshima city, there is a temple called "Daruma-dera" that was newly built in 1998. As the name suggests, it is a temple where you can meet many Daruma dolls, but it seems that there are many fun things to do on the large grounds. It's a temple, but it's fun...? With your head full of question marks, let's go and discover its secrets. Darumaji Temple in Kitahiroshima City is a temple of the Soto sect. It boasts a large site area of 8,000m2 and has no fences or gates, so anyone can enter and exit freely, regardless of sect. The name Daruma Temple comes from Bodhidharma, the founder of Zen Buddhism. The head priest himself named it after him, with the desire to return to the origins of Buddhist teachings and to make the temple a place that would be loved like Bodhidharma. Because of this name, many Daruma dolls have been donated to the temple, and it is now overflowing with them. Including the collection of the head priest, the temple now has more than 2,000 dolls! The sight of all these Daruma dolls lined up is nothing short of overwhelming. However, don't be surprised by this. What overturns the conventional image of a temple lies outside. As mentioned earlier, Daruma Temple has a land area of 2500 tsubo. When walking around the grounds, you will come across some mysterious things. For example, this. At first glance, it looks like a mailbox, but in fact there is a big tongue sticking out from the slot. This is a "tongue memorial service" where you can reflect on any lies or slip-ups you have made, write a letter of repentance and post it. The head priest will perform a memorial service for your letter of repentance and burn it, so don't worry. Still, the mailbox is so impactful that it's likely to appear in your dreams. Now, within the grounds, there is a river that was handcrafted by the head priest (!). It is said to be modeled after the Sanzu River, and if you head upstream, you will find a Kannon statue with a gentle face. It is called the "Smiling Kannon" and you will surely feel soothed by its appearance standing in the middle of nature. By the way, there is not only a river but also a waterfall and a pond on the premises, so it seems like it would be nice to use it as a short walk course. In fact, that was the chief priest's aim. The reason he secured such a large site in the first place, created a river and pond, and placed a unique mailbox and Yama statue, was because he wanted people to feel more comfortable visiting the temple. It is because of their earnest desire to create a closer relationship between the Japanese people and temples. I see, that is why there are no fences or gates. If you visit Kitahiroshima, be sure to stop by. There are plenty of things to enjoy for both children and adults, and you're sure to fall in love with Daruma Temple. <Interview cooperation> Daruma Temple Address: 242-20 Tomigaoka, Kitahiroshima City, Hokkaido Phone: 011-373-8883 Official website: https://www.darumaji300years.com