明徳寺, Buddhist temple in Izu, Japan
Myokutokuji is a Buddhist temple in Izu featuring multiple Buddhist statues throughout its grounds, with protective guardian demons positioned at the entrance and a central main hall. The complex includes a graveyard section that opens toward the surrounding hills and ocean views.
The temple was reconstructed during different periods including the early Edo era and suffered damage from the 1855 Ansei Edo earthquake. Recovery and rebuilding efforts followed the seismic event.
The temple attracts visitors for both ritual prayers and private meditation in spaces that reflect Buddhist practice. Its layout embodies a blend of different Buddhist traditions in how the buildings and grounds relate to one another.
The grounds are straightforward to navigate, with distinct areas for prayer and a graveyard section offering good views. Visitors benefit from taking time to explore the different statue placements and spaces throughout the site.
The protective guardian statues at the entrance are displayed behind glass panels that create reflective surfaces and change their appearance throughout the day. These reflections give the figures a different presence as light shifts.
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