Hōsen-in, Buddhist temple in Ohara, Japan
Hōsen-in is a Buddhist temple featuring three gardens, including the Bangan-en Garden, which uses wooden pillars to frame mountain views beyond the building. These pillars serve as natural windows that connect the interior spaces with the landscape outside.
The temple was founded in 1012 as a Buddhist monastic residence, making it over 1000 years old. Its ceiling boards come from Fushimi Castle and carry memories of events from 1600 when warriors met their end there.
This temple is known as the birthplace of Shomyo, a form of Buddhist chant representing one of the oldest living vocal traditions in Japan. Visitors today can sense this musical heritage throughout the halls, where it continues to shape the spiritual character of the place.
Visitors can experience traditional tea ceremonies in the main hall while enjoying views of the gardens through the wooden pillars. The temple grounds are open daily from 9:00 to 17:00 and are easily accessible.
The gardens contain a tree more than 700 years old with five-needle branches that have been shaped to suggest Mount Hiei. This artistic pruning uses the landscape technique to emphasize the natural beauty of the surroundings.
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