Hokke-ji, Buddhist temple in Gifu, Japan
Hokke-ji sits in the foothills of Mount Dodo and combines traditional Japanese architectural forms with its natural mountain surroundings in Gifu Prefecture. The buildings integrate into the hillside, creating a relationship between the structures and the landscape.
The temple was founded in 816 on the order of Emperor Saga under the supervision of the monk Kukai. After a fire destroyed it in 1620, it was rebuilt in 1623.
This temple holds a position among the thirty-three Kannon pilgrimage temples in the Mino region and draws visitors who come to witness regular Buddhist ceremonies throughout the year. The rituals performed here shape the rhythm of spiritual life at the site.
The temple is best visited on clear days when the mountain paths are dry and visibility is good. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear, as reaching the site involves some physical effort along the hillside trails.
The temple is known locally as Mitahora Kobo, a name that sets it apart from other Hokke-ji temples and reflects its connection to the Buddhist master Kukai. This informal name is still used by pilgrims who visit the site.
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