Myōshō-ji, Buddhist temple in Sado Island, Japan.
Myōshō-ji is a Buddhist temple on Sado Island featuring a five-story pagoda that stands as the only structure of its kind in Niigata Prefecture. The grounds contain multiple religious buildings arranged together, combining spaces for worship and daily monastic life.
The temple was founded in 1275 when Tametomo Endo transformed his residence into a religious site after being influenced by Buddhist priest Nichiren during his exile. This conversion marked the beginning of a place that served as a center of faith across generations.
The temple grounds display traditional Buddhist architecture, including a thatched-roof Kuri building that once housed monks across generations. This style of construction shows how religious communities lived and practiced their faith in this place.
The temple is located about 30 minutes by car from Ryotsu Port and offers parking for 15 vehicles and 2 buses. A bus stop within walking distance makes it accessible without your own transportation.
The temple grounds contain the grave of Suketomo Hino, a court noble who was exiled to Sado. Visitors can view the interior of the pagoda by making a reservation in advance, offering a rare look at the internal structure.
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