常福寺, Buddhist temple in Naka, Japan
Jofukuji is a Buddhist temple built on the former grounds of Urinate Castle, featuring traditional Japanese architecture arranged with landscaped gardens throughout the complex. The structures are organized around courtyards in the classic manner of such religious sites.
The temple was founded in 1338 and moved to its present location in 1405, where it gradually became an important training center. During the Edo period it grew into a major seminary for a particular Buddhist school.
The temple preserves painted scrolls and a silk portrait that reflect centuries of Buddhist artistic practice and spiritual devotion in this region. Visitors can see how these works remain central to the religious life that continues here today.
The grounds are spacious and can be explored at a leisurely pace, with easy access to all main buildings and garden areas. Plan to spend at least an hour here to properly walk through the different sections and take in the surroundings.
Each autumn the temple hosts a special festival honoring a historical Buddhist master, drawing visitors from across the country who come for this celebration. This seasonal event brings a different energy to the site compared to other times of the year.
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