Butsugen-ji, Buddhist temple in Ito, Japan
Butsugen-ji is a Buddhist temple on elevated ground in Ito with traditional wooden structures, including a main hall, temple gate, and several auxiliary buildings. The complex houses multiple structures such as the Founder's Hall and Bishamon-do, both reconstructed in 1951.
The temple was founded in 1261 and marks the location where Buddhist priest Nichiren lived during his exile from Kamakura under government persecution. His time there was marked by important writings and spiritual practice that shaped the site's lasting legacy.
The temple preserves the Zuishin-butsu, a small golden Buddha statue discovered in the ocean during Nichiren's time in Ito. This statue connects the place to spiritual events that visitors can experience within the temple grounds today.
The grounds are easily explored on foot with access to multiple buildings spread across the well-maintained property. It is wise to allow several hours to visit the various structures and explore the surroundings at a leisurely pace.
A remarkable detail is that Nichiren wrote two significant Buddhist treatises at this exact location during his time here. These writings remain an important part of Buddhist heritage and give the place a deep intellectual connection to religious history.
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