Bukkō-ji

Bukkō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Tendo that consists of a main hall and several auxiliary buildings arranged across a grounds designed for contemplation. The layout includes traditional stone lanterns, gravel paths, and planted areas that connect the different sections into a unified composition.

The temple was founded in the late 13th century and grew into a center of Pure Land Buddhism in the region. Its teachings spread beyond the grounds over subsequent generations, influencing Buddhist practice across western Japan.

The temple serves as a space where visitors notice skilled woodwork and traditional Buddhist carvings integrated into the architecture. The layout guides people naturally toward quiet reflection, shaping how locals and travelers experience their time within these halls.

The temple sits about 15 minutes on foot from Tendo Station via marked pathways through the neighborhood. The grounds include some slopes, so sturdy shoes and a steady pace work well for exploring the full area.

The temple preserves handwritten documents where medieval followers recorded their faith through prayer inscriptions. These texts offer a rare window into the personal spirituality of ordinary people from earlier times.

Location: Tendo

Inception: 1287

Address: 山形県天童市小路一丁目8-16

GPS coordinates: 38.35375,140.37294

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:21