Kokutai-ji, Buddhist temple in Koi, Nishi-ku district of Hiroshima, Japan.
Kokutai-ji is a Buddhist temple in western Hiroshima with multiple buildings arranged thoughtfully across its grounds, displaying traditional Japanese architectural style. The site remains open to visitors year-round who wish to explore the religious structures and experience Buddhist practice.
The temple was established to sustain Buddhist spirituality in the region and is now part of the Hiroshima Shikoku 88 pilgrimage route. This connection to an ancient Japanese pilgrimage tradition gives it deep roots in the area's religious past.
The temple draws pilgrims and believers who come to participate in Buddhist ceremonies and experience the spiritual life of the place. These religious practices continue to shape how local people engage with the site and what it means to the community.
The temple is accessible year-round, with various paths across the grounds for visitors to explore its buildings. Comfortable walking shoes and respectful attire are advisable, especially if you plan to stay longer or visit other sites along the pilgrimage route.
The temple serves as a key stop on an old pilgrimage route that connects walkers from different places across a wide area. Many pilgrims wear special robes or carry notebooks stamped at each location, creating a living link between the different stations along the way.
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