Ichijō-ji, Buddhist temple in Kasai, Hyōgo Prefecture.
Ichijō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Kasai, Hyōgo Prefecture, recognized as a National Treasure of Japan. The site includes a three-story pagoda from the late Heian period and several traditional wooden and stone structures.
A hermit named Hōdō founded this site in the year 650 and dedicated it to the worship of a Kannon statue. Later, the temple became the 26th station on the Saigoku pilgrimage route, which runs through western Japan.
The name of this site means Temple of One Street and refers to a historic path that once guided pilgrims through the region. Wooden plaques on the ceiling of the main hall display prayers and wishes from travelers who have stopped here for centuries.
A bus from Himeji station brings you close to the temple, from where you climb the stairs to reach the main hall. Admission costs 500 yen for adults and 200 yen for students, and the steps require moderate physical fitness.
A steep stone staircase with 162 steps leads up to the main hall and makes the ascent part of the spiritual experience. The sacred Kannon statue remains hidden nearly all year and is shown to visitors only on special occasions.
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