Kichijō-ji, Buddhist temple in Kawaba, Japan
Kichijō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Kawaba, Japan, set among tall trees and made up of several ceremonial buildings alongside an octagonal pavilion with Chinese-style architectural details. A stone bridge flanked by elephant statues leads to the main hall, and wooden carvings and statues are spread throughout the grounds.
The temple grew out of religious traditions that traveled from India through Central Asia and China before taking root in Japan during the Nara period in the 8th century. The worship of Kichijōten and Bishamonten, both deities of Hindu origin, reflects that long journey of transmission across Asia.
The temple takes its name from Kichijōten, a Buddhist goddess of fortune whose image appears on the main altar. Visitors today can see offerings and incense left by people who come to pray for good luck and prosperity.
The temple grounds are easy to walk through at any time of year, though the wooded setting makes spring and autumn particularly pleasant for a visit. Weekday mornings tend to be quieter if you prefer to explore without many other people around.
The octagonal shape of one of the temple's buildings is rare in Japanese religious architecture and was chosen deliberately, as the number eight carries associations with good fortune in several Asian traditions. This makes the structure stand out even among other temples in the region.
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