普光寺, Buddhist temple in Minamiuonuma, Japan

Fukoji is a Buddhist temple that houses a structure dedicated to Bishamonten, with both buildings linked by a roofed passageway. The covered corridor features painted ceiling panels and Buddhist statues throughout its length.

Fukoji began as a betto temple serving a hall to Bishamonten, said to have been founded in 807 by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro. Uesugi Kenshin and Uesugi Kagekatsu visited during the Sengoku period, and Edo-period lords granted it temple lands and shuinjo from the shogunate. The Bishamonten hall burned in 1931 and was rebuilt on the same site in 1937 to a design by architect Ito Chuta.

The temple serves as a center for local religious observances and seasonal celebrations that draw people from surrounding villages. You can see how the space functions as a meeting point for the community's spiritual life today.

Fukoji stands about five minutes on foot from the west exit of JR Urasa Station. The temple grounds are reached on foot from the station, and the walk is short enough to combine with a visit to the Bishamonten hall.

The Bishamonten statue kept in the treasure hall between the main hall and the Bishamonten Hall is a hidden image shown only once during each head priest's tenure. The hall itself was rebuilt in 1937 after a 1931 fire, designed by architect Ito Chuta.