壬生寺, Buddhist temple in Mibu, Japan
Mibu-dera is a Buddhist temple comprising multiple halls including the Amida-do and Dai Nembutsu-do that form a connected complex. The main building houses an important Ksitigarbha statue and provides visitors with access to several prayer spaces.
The temple was founded in 991 by monk Kaiken and received its current name Mibu-dera following an imperial visit by Emperor Shirakawa. This renaming marked a significant turning point in the sanctuary's past.
The temple serves as a venue for traditional performances held on its dedicated stage throughout the year. This connection between religious practice and artistic expression shapes how visitors experience the space today.
The grounds are easy to navigate on foot with main buildings located close together for a straightforward visit. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing and remove shoes at entrances, as is customary in Buddhist temples.
The grounds contain a bronze statue of Shinsengumi commander Kondo Isami, honoring a historical group of swordsmen. Nearby stands a monument that plays a historical song when pressed, offering visitors an unexpected connection to the past.
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