Seiunji Temple, Buddhist temple in Koshu, Japan
Seiunji Temple sits at 1,050 meters elevation on the left bank of the Nichikawa valley within the Tenmokuzan mountains of Yamanashi Prefecture. The complex features several structures surrounded by meditation gardens with natural stones and historical inscriptions.
Nariumi Honjo founded the temple around 1348 after spending two decades selecting the ideal location following his return from Yuan Dynasty China. His search for the right place reflected his commitment to establishing a serious meditation center.
The temple is a center for Rinzai Buddhist practice, where visitors can observe traditional meditation gardens with natural stone arrangements that embody the school's teachings. The setting reflects how monks and practitioners connect with nature as part of their spiritual path.
The easiest way to reach this temple is by taking the JR Chuo Line to Kai-Yamato Station and then connecting to a local bus that stops at Amame. From the bus stop, a walking path leads uphill to the complex.
In the middle of November, the temple displays Buddhist statues, paintings, and crafts in a special exhibition that are kept hidden from public view for the rest of the year. This brief seasonal opening is the only time visitors can see these objects.
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