Kitayama Honmon-ji, Buddhist temple in Fujinomiya, Japan
Kitayama Honmon-ji is a Buddhist temple situated at the base of Mount Fuji, built with traditional Japanese wooden architecture and featuring a two-story entrance gate. The grounds contain multiple structures arranged with careful attention to spatial layout and natural surroundings.
The temple was founded in 1298 by Buddhist priest Nikko and became a principal center of Nichiren Buddhism in the region. It later joined the Fuji Gozan network, an important group of temples linked to Mount Fuji.
The temple holds a significant collection of Buddhist scriptures, including medieval copies of the Lotus Sutra decorated with gold lettering. These texts reflect the site's deep connection to Nichiren teachings and their practice.
The temple provides parking facilities and can be reached by bus from Fujinomiya Station to the Honmon-ji stop. From there, a short walk takes you directly to the temple entrance.
A large cedar tree said to have been planted by Nikko himself grows on the temple grounds and was designated a natural monument in 1957. This tree remains vigorous and serves as a striking natural focal point within the complex.
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