大宝寺, Buddhist temple in Gotō, Japan
Daiho-ji stands at the southwestern tip of Fukue Island in the Goto archipelago and features traditional Buddhist architecture alongside stone monuments. The temple complex spreads across quiet grounds with several buildings arranged in a typical layout.
The temple was founded in 701 and shifted from Sanron to Shingon Buddhism after monk Kukai returned in 806 from studies in Tang China. This transformation shaped the site's religious direction for centuries.
The temple serves as a significant waypoint on the Goto pilgrimage route and houses a hall containing sand collected from all 88 temples of Shikoku. Visitors can experience the spiritual connection pilgrims feel traveling between these sacred locations.
The temple sits about 40 minutes by car from Fukue Port and welcomes visitors daily without charge. A small parking area is available at the entrance for guest convenience.
The temple houses a bronze bell from 1375 and a rare five-tiered stone pagoda from 1369, both designated as cultural properties of Nagasaki Prefecture. These artifacts rank among the oldest surviving artworks in the region.
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