Dainen-ji, Buddhist temple in Taihaku-ku, Japan
Dainen-ji is a Zen temple built on a hillside in Taihaku-ku, reached by climbing 280 stone steps that lead to the main hall and burial grounds of the Date clan. The grounds contain remaining gates, a smaller building, and adjoin the Sendai Yasou-en botanical garden.
Date Tsunamura, the fourth lord of the Date clan, founded this temple in 1695 as a major Zen temple in Ming style. Its construction reflected the cultural growth of the region during that era.
The temple follows the Obaku-shu branch of Zen Buddhism, and visitors can see statues of Buddha Shakyamuni and his followers displayed in the worship hall. These figures reflect the spiritual practices that shaped this place over centuries.
The stone staircase requires moderate effort, so wear comfortable walking shoes and allow time for the climb. The adjacent botanical garden offers a pleasant place to rest after reaching the top.
The temple houses a rare Kako-bosatsu statue that, according to local belief, protected the buildings during the 2011 earthquake. This sculpture is often overlooked by visitors despite its spiritual significance to the community.
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