Zennō-ji, Buddhist temple in Higashiyama-ku, Japan.
Zennō-ji is a Buddhist temple situated at the base of Mount Tsukinowa, built with traditional wooden structures adorned with golden details and Chinese architectural influences. The grounds include a main hall, several smaller buildings, and landscaped gardens that connect the various parts of the complex.
The temple was founded during the Heian period and later integrated into the Sennyū-ji temple compound, becoming a major center for Buddhism in eastern Kyoto. This connection shaped Buddhist practices throughout the region for centuries to come.
The temple serves as one of the 33 Kannon pilgrimage sites in the region, drawing visitors who come to offer prayers and participate in ceremonies that have been observed for centuries.
The grounds are open daily and visitors should allow time to walk through all the buildings and gardens at a leisurely pace to fully appreciate the space. Sturdy footwear is recommended, especially if the weather is wet, since some pathways can be uneven.
The temple preserves rare Buddhist texts from the Song Dynasty housed within its traditional archive buildings, making it a significant repository of ancient writings. This collection draws scholars and curious visitors interested in exploring the depth of Buddhist philosophy.
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