Hongyō-ji, Buddhist temple in Ikegami, Japan.
Hongyō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Ikegami featuring a grand hall, an ornate gateway, and a five-story pagoda constructed in 1608. The grounds contain multiple traditional buildings arranged across a spacious layout that reflects centuries of religious use.
The temple was established after Nichiren, the founder of the Buddhist school bearing his name, died at this location in 1282. His followers then built the complete temple complex to honor and preserve his legacy.
The name reflects the sacred location where Nichiren passed, and visitors can witness the deep reverence shown during the Oeshiki Festival each October when thousands process through carrying decorated lanterns.
The temple is accessible on foot from Ikegami Station in about 15 minutes or from Nishi-Magome Station via local train lines. The grounds are expansive, so plan enough time for your visit and wear comfortable shoes.
The grounds preserve a memorial tablet for the USS Oneida, a ship that sank in 1870 off the Japanese coast. This monument honors American sailors and reveals an unexpected historical connection between Japan and the United States.
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