Shōyōin, Buddhist temple in Kofu, Japan.
Shōyōin is a Buddhist temple situated on the slopes of Mount Atago in Kofu, featuring two traditional pagodas within its grounds. One pagoda rises with three stories while the other stands with five stories, both shaping the visual character of the temple.
During the Sengoku period, Shōyōin held the rank of first among the Kofu Gozan temples and became a place where Takeda Shingen studied Buddhist teachings with priest Gishu Genpaku. This connection established the temple as a major spiritual center for the powerful Takeda family.
The temple holds a portrait of Lady Ooi, mother of Takeda Shingen, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. This artwork reflects the deep bond between the Takeda family and Buddhist faith that remains present in this sacred space.
The temple is easy to reach with approximately a 10-minute walk north of Kofu Station. This makes it a convenient destination for visitors wanting straightforward access from the city center.
The temple functions as the family sanctuary and contains the burial site of Lady Ooi within its grounds. This location uniquely bridges the worldly power of the Takeda and their profound spiritual devotion.
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