Hōshaku-ji, Buddhist temple in Ōyamazaki, Japan
Hōshaku-ji is a Buddhist temple in Ōyamazaki with a main hall topped by a formal tile roof that curves at the edges. A three-storey pagoda stands beside the main hall as an Important Cultural Property and forms the recognizable silhouette of the complex.
Monk Gyōki founded this temple in 720 following Emperor Shōmu's directive and chose a strategic location on Mount Tenno. The site between the ancient provinces of Yamashiro and Settsu made it an important place serving both regions.
The temple houses wooden statues of Eleven-faced Kannon and preserves a bell from the Muromachi period that visitors can see. These works reflect the spiritual importance this place held for worshippers across many centuries.
The temple is reachable on foot in about 10 minutes from Yamazaki Station on JR Kyoto Line or 15 minutes from Oyamazaki Station on Hankyu Kyoto Line. Visitors should expect clear signs and an easy walk along the way.
The temple preserves two legendary hammers called Uchide and Kozuchi, which according to legend Emperor Shōmu received from a dragon god in a dream. These magical objects show the mystical connection between the imperial court and this sacred place.
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