Chikugo Kokubun-ji, Buddhist temple in Kurume, Japan.
Chikugo Kokubun-ji is a Buddhist temple featuring traditional Japanese buildings, multiple worship halls, and ornamental gates arranged across spacious grounds in Kurume. The layout follows the typical arrangement of such temples, with structures organized around open courtyards and landscaped areas.
The temple was founded during the Nara period as part of Emperor Shomu's national network of provincial temples designed to strengthen Buddhist authority across the country. This establishment made it an important religious center that has endured for more than 1,000 years.
The temple serves as a living center for Buddhist practice in the Chikugo area, where visitors can observe or participate in regular ceremonies and rituals. The space remains active through the presence of monks and devotees who use it for meditation and personal prayer.
The temple is open daily from sunrise to sunset and is reachable by bus from Nishitetsu Kurume Station. The site is straightforward to visit, with clear access points and easy pathways throughout the grounds.
The grounds house a collection of Buddhist sculptures and religious artifacts spanning different centuries, including some rare carved pieces. These objects reflect artistic traditions that evolved over time and often surprise visitors with their intricate detail.
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