Japan? category ?

It is said that Amitabha, along with twenty-five Bodhisattvas, comes from the Pure Land to welcome the deceased. Sokujoin Temple has preserved a group of Buddha statues that recreate this scene for nearly 1,000 years.

Tofukuji Temple is the head temple of the Tofukuji branch of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism and was founded in 1236. The Sanmon Gate is designated as a national treasure of Japan. Tofukuji Temple has three wooden bridges. During the autumn foliage season you can see some very beautiful scenery.

The main hall of Sanjusangendo was built in 1164. It was later destroyed by fire, but was rebuilt in 1266 and remains as it is today. Inside the hall, there are 1,000 Thousand-Armed Kannon (Sahasrabhuja) statues lined up. The main hall and the group of Buddhist statues are all designated as national treasures.

Higashi-Honganji is the head temple of the Jodo Shinshu Otani sect. It is located very close to Kyoto Station. There are many buildings designated as important cultural properties within the temple grounds. The Goeido (Main) Hall is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world.

At Higashi Honganji Temple, services are held every morning from 7:00 AM in the Amida Hall and the Goeido Hall. No reservation is required. Anyone can attend by going to the temple at the scheduled start time. There were over a hundred worshippers, and it was a very grand event.

Zuikoji Temple was founded in 1655. The main hall has a thatched roof. The main image of the temple is a statue of Sakyamuni enshrined inside the hall. A white dragon is enshrined near the entrance to the temple grounds. It is said that washing money here will bring you good fortune.

It is one of the oldest shrines in Fushimi Ward, Kyoto City. The shrine's character, "Kanau-san," is the spirit of the Kurogane Mochi. This name means wishes come true. It has red berries on its head. The sacred tree, Kurogane Mochi (Kurogane holly), contains the word for rich in Japanese.

This shrine was enshrined in 876. It is located at one of the seven entrances to Kyoto and is said to provide protection for those setting out on their journey. Kaji Shrine, located in the parking lot, is dedicated to a swordsmith. Fans of the popular game "Touken Ranbu" visit the shrine and leave votive wooden tablets.

Nanzoin Temple was founded in 1348. It is famous for its Ksitigarbha bound with rope. I tied the Ksitigarbha statue with a rope while praying for my wish. The rope is provided at the temple. Each rope cost 100 yen. There is a ceremony on New Year's Eve where this rope is untied.

Tokyo is a city with few old wooden buildings, having suffered major earthquakes and fires during wars. However, Gokokuji Temple still has a huge main hall built in 1697. Normally, you can enter between 9:00 and 11:50 and between 13:00 and 16:00. There are many Buddha statues enshrined inside the hall.