Gayain, Buddhist temple in Miki, Japan
Gayain is a Tendai Buddhist temple in Miki with a main hall, a two-story pagoda called Tahoto, and several gate structures arranged across the grounds. The complex includes various religious buildings and ceremonial spaces connected by a network of pathways.
The temple was founded in 645 and experienced expansion during the 17th century, when its main hall was built in 1610 and the Tahoto pagoda in 1648. These structures continue to define how the complex looks today.
The temple houses several nationally protected artworks, including a wooden Bishamonten statue that holds special meaning in Tendai practice. These objects remain central to how visitors and devotees experience the religious traditions here.
The grounds can be explored using designated pathways that link the various buildings and ceremonial spaces throughout the complex. Comfortable shoes are recommended, as visiting involves walking through several different areas.
The temple combines Buddhist and Shinto elements in its architecture, visible in how it coexists with a neighboring shrine on the grounds. This blend of religious traditions reflects a common pattern in Japanese temple culture.
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