Nyohō-ji, Buddhist temple in Kōriyama, Japan
Nyohō-ji is a Buddhist temple nestled in Kōriyama's mountainous terrain with traditional wooden buildings arranged across the landscape. The main hall houses altar platforms and artwork, while surrounding structures serve monks' living quarters and practice spaces.
The temple was rebuilt in 1669 under feudal lord Yasuoki Kato, who entrusted its establishment to Zen monk Yotaku Bankei. It was founded as an institution of the Myoshinji Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism.
The layout reflects Zen Buddhist principles with spaces designed for both formal worship and the daily rhythm of monastic life. Visitors notice how the arrangement guides movement and contemplation through the site.
The site is accessible via mountain paths and requires comfortable walking shoes for uneven terrain. It helps to allow time for slow exploration and visiting different areas at a relaxed pace.
Inside is a clay statue of founding monk Yotaku Bankei from 1697 that contains his actual bone ashes along with his real hair and mustache. This statue merges veneration of the monk with his physical remains in an unusual way.
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