Nyoirin-ji, Buddhist temple in Himeji, Japan
Nyoirin-ji is a Buddhist temple nestled on the mountainside of Mount Yoshino featuring structures built in traditional Japanese style. Multiple buildings connect the complex, and gardens around them change appearance with the seasons.
The temple was founded in the early 1000s and later became an important spiritual center for the imperial court. Its significance grew especially during the period when competing emperors ruled from different locations.
The temple holds deep connections to Emperor Go-Daigo, who came here to worship and find spiritual solace. The rooms and structures still reflect this imperial history through their careful design and decoration.
The temple can be reached by a walking path from a nearby train station that takes between 30 and 40 minutes. The path climbs gradually uphill, making it accessible for most visitors.
Inside the temple, there is an unusual meditation seat made of tatami mat with a distinctive shape like a modern lounge chair, positioned beneath a Buddha statue. This special piece shows a blend of comfort and spiritual practice that few visitors expect to find.
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