Myoken-ji, Buddhist temple in Kamigyo district, Kyoto, Japan.
Myoken-ji is a Buddhist temple featuring three distinct gardens, each with its own character and purpose. The dry landscape garden, stream garden, and bamboo courtyard with moss ground work together to create a varied landscape design.
The temple was founded in 1321 as Kyoto's first Nichiren Buddhist temple, establishing an important presence for this school early on. After relocating several times during periods of conflict, it found its current home in 1573.
The temple hosts monthly ceremonies on the 8th that draw people seeking spiritual practice in the Nichiren Buddhist tradition. These regular gatherings shape how the community experiences this place as an active center of worship.
The temple is generally open to visitors, though checking hours ahead of your visit is recommended. Comfortable walking shoes are helpful since you will move through several gardens and temple grounds.
The main hall is notably large on each side, making it one of the biggest temple structures in Kyoto. This scale reflects the importance this school held and stands out compared to many other temples in the city.
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