Visit on a weekday morning to avoid the crowds that flock to the nearby Sanjusangendo, which will give you a quieter, more contemplative experience of this historically significant but less-visited temple.

Sign up for the sutra copying (shakyo) experience if you want an active way to engage with the temple's spiritual practice. This hands-on activity sets Hojuji apart from passive sightseeing and gives you a meditative activity to participate in during your visit.