少林寺

This Buddhist temple in Kakamigahara displays traditional Japanese architecture with curved rooflines and wooden construction set within landscaped gardens near Mount Kinka. The grounds contain multiple buildings and peaceful spaces arranged to support both worship and contemplation.

The temple was constructed using architectural principles that emerged during the Kamakura period, when Buddhism spread throughout Japan and became deeply rooted in the society. These design traditions continue to shape the temple's form and organization.

The temple serves as a gathering place where local people come to practice meditation and find moments of reflection in their daily lives. You can sense how Buddhist traditions remain woven into the rhythm of the community here.

From Kakamigahara station, plan for about 20 minutes of travel to reach the temple, which is open during daylight hours daily. Visitors should wear respectful clothing when entering the main buildings and grounds.

Within the meditation hall, monks perform regular ceremonies using traditional musical instruments and sacred texts that have been passed down through generations. Many visitors are surprised to discover these active rituals, which reveal how ancient practices continue in this space.