Gandenji, Buddhist temple in Zushi, Japan
Gandenji is a Buddhist temple in Zushi, Japan, built on a clifftop above the town and reached by a flight of stone steps. The grounds hold several Jizo statues, and azalea bushes grow near the entrance.
The temple was founded in 721, making it one of the oldest religious sites in the Kanagawa region. Over the centuries it continued to serve as a place of prayer for people from the surrounding area.
Gandenji is the 3rd temple on the Bandō Sanjūsankasho pilgrimage route, which links 33 Kannon temples across the Kanto region. Pilgrims typically carry a special stamp book and stop here to collect the temple's seal.
Reaching the grounds requires climbing a series of stone steps, so sturdy shoes are a good idea. The temple works well as part of a short visit, but allow a little extra time for the climb.
Although the temple sits on a rock face, visitors at the top also get a clear view of the Zushi coastline below. A sea view from a temple at this location is fairly rare and often surprises first-time visitors.
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