Kihō-in, Buddhist temple in Taketomi, Japan.
Kihō-in is a Buddhist temple on Taketomi island that consists of multiple structures, including a main hall and meditation rooms connected by covered walkways. The layout follows traditional Japanese temple design with timber elements and simple, open spaces.
The temple was established in 1957 during Japan's post-war reconstruction as a new center for spiritual life on Taketomi. Its creation marked an important moment in the island's religious development.
The temple serves as a gathering place where residents come for daily devotions and observe local Buddhist customs within its simple, meditative spaces.
Visitors should wear shoes that are easy to remove, as they must be taken off before entering interior spaces. It helps to visit on quieter days and allow time to explore the various rooms and halls at your own pace.
The temple blends modern Buddhist practices with the distinctive spiritual traditions found in Okinawa, creating something uncommon on the islands. This fusion of two different religious worlds makes it stand out from other religious sites in the region.
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