Hattasan Sonei-ji

Built-in 725 by Gyoki under orders from Emperor Shomu, Hattasan is located near Hamamatsu in Shizuoka. Hattasan is one of the three traditional temples in Enshu Area, the other two temples being Kasuisai and Yusanji. Hattasan is dedicated to Maha-karuna Avalokitesvara (Bosatsu of Great Compassion) and believed to ward off bad luck and many people visit here to pray for good luck. Hattasan is also very famous for both its autumn colors as well as for Hanami thanks to its 700+ cherry trees.