Anrakuji Temple
About Anrakuji Temple
A temple with a history of almost 500 years which largely survived the atomic bombing. Features a large 350 year old ginko tree.
First built before 1533, the main hall burned down in 1758 and was reconstructed in 1788.
Following the atomic bombing, the main hall and gate were heavily damaged with only the bare framework structure remaining. Although these have been restored, the main hall still tilts north and there are several burn marks that can be seen on the eaves.
A huge ginkgo tree dominates the approach to the temple, with the trunk circumference of almost 5m and a height of almost 20m. Let to grow through the gate, the tree has been dated to over 350 years old, and is one of several across Hiroshima that survived the atomic blast. In fact, the tree is given credit for shielding and protecting the temple main hall from the blast.
Anrakuji Temple is one of the stops on the Futabanosato Historical Walking Trail.