弘経寺, Buddhist temple in Yuki, Japan
The temple sits on Mount Takao and features multiple halls arranged according to traditional Japanese Buddhist architecture and sacred design. The layout includes spaces for worship, teaching, and ritual practice organized in a purposeful manner.
Emperor Shomu founded this temple in 744 and assigned Buddhist priest Gyoki to oversee its construction while he was also working on Todai-ji Temple. It developed as part of a broader effort to spread Buddhism across Japan during that early period.
The temple holds Goma fire rituals that visitors can observe, showing how Buddhist practices remain woven into daily religious life here. These ceremonies reflect the Shugendo tradition that shapes how the community engages with spiritual practice.
The grounds remain open to visitors year-round with clear pathways connecting the various buildings. An official website provides helpful information to prepare for your visit and learn more about the activities and practices taking place here.
The temple prepares traditional Buddhist vegetarian cuisine called Shojin-ryori using centuries-old recipes and techniques. This food practice demonstrates how religious principles are woven directly into how meals are prepared and experienced.
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