Miroku-ji, Buddhist temple in Himeji, Japan.
Miroku-ji is a Buddhist temple in Himeji whose main hall holds a Maitreya Buddha statue flanked by two companion figures. All three sculptures carry the designation of Important Cultural Property of Japan, making the main hall the religious and artistic heart of the site.
The temple was founded in 1000 by the priest Shoku, who established it as a hermitage connected to Shoshazan Engyo-ji, a Tendai sect temple. Over time it grew from that small retreat into the site visitors see today.
Miroku-ji is part of the Yumesaki Seven Lucky Gods pilgrimage, a local tradition that brings visitors to seven different sites in the area. The large Hotei statue here is a focal point during New Year visits, when people come to seek good fortune.
The temple sits outside the city center, so it helps to plan your visit with enough time for travel whether you come by bus or by car. Comfortable footwear is a good idea, as the path from the nearest bus stop involves a walk of around 30 minutes on foot.
The three central sculptures of the temple form one of the few complete Maitreya triads still kept in their original setting in Japan. This kind of intact grouping, with the main figure and both companions in place, is rare to find outside of major national museums.
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