Eiryō-ji, Buddhist temple in Nagaoka, Japan.
Eiryō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Nagaoka featuring traditional Japanese architecture with whitewashed walls, wooden base panels, and a distinctive tiled roof. The main hall, rebuilt in 1905, houses an Amida Buddha statue and continues to serve as a venue for Buddhist ceremonies and prayers.
Founded between 1558 and 1570 during the Muromachi period, the temple moved to its current location in 1618 when the Makino clan relocated. During the Boshin War conflicts, it served as a medical station for wounded soldiers before being destroyed in battle.
The temple houses memorial stones and graves of influential local figures, creating a connection between visitors and the region's past. Walking through these burial grounds offers insight into who shaped the community over centuries.
The temple is open to visitors who can explore the grounds and interiors, with the best experience arriving early in the day. Access is straightforward as the site sits within the city, allowing for convenient visits alongside other local attractions.
During the Boshin War, the temple functioned as an emergency medical shelter for wounded soldiers, an unexpected role for a sacred space. This history reveals how the building served the community during a turbulent period in the region.
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