Anaoji, Buddhist temple in Kameoka, Japan
Anaoji is a Buddhist temple set in the hills of Kameoka, featuring a traditional pond garden and a main hall. The grounds hold various Buddhist statues and religious objects that give the space its character.
The temple was founded in 705 during the Nara period and serves as the 21st site of the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage. This position connects it to a network of 33 sacred sites spread across Japan.
The reclining Buddha statue draws visitors who touch specific body parts seeking healing and well-being. This practice connects personal hopes with a form of quiet prayer that many people perform.
The grounds are open daily and offer easy paths through the garden and to the main hall. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and allow time to explore at a relaxed pace.
During the annual Fukyu ceremony on January 3rd, priests throw red paper fortunes that visitors catch as charms believed to bring prosperity. This lively tradition draws people who want to start the new year with this special practice.
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