Myokenji, Buddhist temple in Ako, Japan
Myokenji is a Shingon Buddhist temple perched above Sakoshi Bay in Ako, with a hall called Kannon-do that overlooks the water and nearby Ikushima island. The grounds are compact and orderly, with traditional buildings arranged at different levels.
The temple was established in the mid-700s by Gyouki Bosatsu and later developed by Kukai, the founder of the Shingon school. This early foundation made it an important center of Buddhist practice in the region.
The temple dedicates itself to Kannon, a bodhisattva that holds special meaning for local worshippers seeking compassion and guidance. The layout and decoration reflect how this spiritual figure remains central to the community's religious practice today.
The temple sits on an elevated location with good viewing positions, though reaching the main grounds requires some walking from the parking area. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and allow time to explore both the buildings and their surroundings.
The Kannon-do hall was built in the late 1600s but underwent a complete outer renovation in the 1700s while keeping its original inner framework intact. This mix of ancient craftsmanship with later improvements makes the hall a curious case of how temples adapt without losing their core identity.
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