Honshō-ji, Buddhist temple in Nodera-cho, Anjo, Japan
Honshō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Nodera-chō with defensive structures including moats, earthen walls, and a drum tower. The complex combines religious and military architecture, with the main hall dating from 1663 and containing several properties designated as important cultural sites.
The temple was founded in 1206 by Kyoen, a disciple of Shinran, and developed into an important religious center. It became a key force in the Mikawa Ikko Ikki uprising against Tokugawa Ieyasu during the warring states period.
The temple houses national treasures, including silk paintings from the Kamakura period depicting Prince Shotoku and the Zenkoji Buddha. These works reveal the spiritual importance the place held across different eras.
The grounds are accessible and open in most areas, though some interior spaces may have restricted access depending on the day. The site provides ample space for walking around and offers multiple viewpoints to see the fortifications and garden features.
The temple displays a rare blend of religious and military architecture, with water channels and fortifications typical of the warring states period. This combination makes it a distinctive example of how temples were fortified during times of conflict and unrest.
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