光了寺, Buddhist temple in Koga, Japan
The temple occupies spacious grounds in Koga City and displays traditional Japanese Buddhist architecture with a main hall and a treasure house. The grounds hold several structures that reflect religious practice over many centuries.
The site began as Takayanagi Temple during the Kamakura period and shifted to Jodo Shinshu Buddhism between 1213 and 1218 under priest Enshu Koetsu. This change marked an important turn in the place's religious direction and practices.
The temple preserves objects connected to Shizuka Gozen, including a dragon robe and items that belonged to her companion, the medieval warrior Minamoto no Yoshitsune. These artifacts show the place's link to an important figure in Japanese history.
The temple stands at 1334 Nakata in Koga and can be reached by taxi in about 15 minutes from Koga Station on the Utsunomiya Line. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be aware that some areas have steps and uneven ground.
The grounds hold a wooden statue of Prince Shotoku from the Kamakura period, attributed to Buddhist teacher Shinran. The statue is registered as a protected cultural property and ranks among the temple's most treasured possessions.
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