如法寺, Buddhist temple in Ōzu, Japan
Nyoho-ji is a Buddhist temple featuring a main hall measuring four bays wide by five bays long with a ceiling decorated with 96 painted dragons. Diamond-shaped brick flooring covers the interior, reflecting careful craftsmanship in its design.
The temple was reconstructed in 1669 under Lord Yasuoki Kato with the guidance of Zen monk Yotaku Bankei and affiliated with the Myoshinji branch of Rinzai Buddhism. Despite multiple fires throughout its history, the main hall retained its original structure.
The temple functions as both a prayer hall and meditation space where monks practice Zen in the same building. Visitors can observe how Buddhist devotion and monastic discipline coexist within these walls.
The main hall remains in its original condition, though other buildings on the grounds were destroyed by fires over centuries. The temple is accessible to visitors and offers insight into how the space functions for its monastic community.
Three ancient camellia trees stand at the entrance, including a rare Goshiki Chiri Tsubaki variety that has thrived for over three centuries. These specimens are botanically valuable and serve as living landmarks for those arriving at the site.
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