Naritasan sapporo betsu-in Shin'ei-ji, Buddhist temple in Chuo-ku, Japan
Naritasan Sapporo Betsu-in Shin'ei-ji is a Buddhist temple with multiple prayer halls connected by stone pathways that wind through traditional gardens featuring lanterns and maple trees. The layout includes various structures designed for different religious functions and ceremonies.
The temple was established in 1885 as a branch of the original Naritasan Shinshoji Temple, which traces its roots back to Japan's Heian period. This connection shows how Buddhist traditions were transmitted from ancient times to the modern era.
The temple holds daily Goma fire rituals where Buddhist priests burn wooden prayer tablets while chanting sacred texts. Visitors can observe these ceremonies and witness how the community engages with its spiritual practices.
The temple operates from sunrise to sunset, with guided tours available in Japanese from the main reception building. Early morning visits offer the quietest garden atmosphere and a chance to observe the start of daily ceremonies.
Visitors can take part in morning meditation sessions followed by traditional tea ceremonies in the temple's meditation hall. These quiet practices offer insight into the daily spiritual discipline maintained at the site.
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