Zenkō-ji, Buddhist temple in Gifu, Japan
Zenkō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Gifu with traditional Japanese architecture built at the base of Mount Inaba. The grounds contain a central main hall surrounded by several connected structures that together form the temple complex.
The temple was founded between 1592 and 1600 during the era when Oda Nobunaga ruled the region. Its location near Gifu Castle connected it to local political developments during that time.
The temple welcomes everyone to practice here, regardless of their background or beliefs, which shapes how it feels when you visit. You see people from many walks of life meditating or copying sutras together in the halls.
The temple offers guest rooms in five different styles for visitors who want to stay overnight. You can participate in Zen meditation, sutra copying, and Buddha tracing activities during your visit.
A major earthquake in 1891 destroyed the main hall completely, requiring a full reconstruction of the building. The rebuilding was finished in 1912 and shaped the structure you see today.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
