九品寺, Buddhist temple in Nantan, Japan
Saiko-ji Temple is a Buddhist sanctuary in Nantan featuring a main hall that houses an ancient seated statue of Amida Nyorai Buddha alongside intricately carved wooden decorations. The building preserves traditional craftsmanship and displays artistic techniques from different periods.
This sanctuary was founded in 756 and serves as the 21st stop on the Funaigori Thirty-Three Kannon Pilgrimage route. This designation reflects its long-standing importance within the region's network of Buddhist sacred sites.
The temple hosts traditional Rokusai Nenbutsu Odori dance performances on select Sundays before August 16th and 23rd each year. These performances blend religious devotion with local customs, drawing visitors interested in experiencing Japanese traditions firsthand.
The location is accessible by car with a free parking lot accommodating around 10 vehicles on the grounds. Visitors can also approach by taking a 15-minute walk from Yoshitomi Station if arriving by train.
In 2020, the site replaced individual graves with a communal monument to address challenges posed by rural depopulation. This practical solution shows how traditional places adapt to modern needs and demographic shifts.
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