Hozo-ji, Buddhist temple in Okazaki, Japan
Hozo-ji is a Buddhist temple in Okazaki featuring a bell tower with a distinctive hipped roof that blends architectural elements from the Muromachi period and Tang Dynasty styles. The building displays these historical influences through its unique structural design.
The temple was established in 1436 by Myoshu-shonin as part of the Jodo Shu Seizan-ha branch. During the Muromachi period, it grew to oversee 25 affiliated temples, becoming an important religious center.
The temple holds connections to the Edo period painter Ito Jakuchu, whose artistic vision influenced the design of the temple's seal. Visitors can see traces of this artistic legacy in the visual elements throughout the grounds.
The temple's official seal can be obtained during morning and afternoon hours, with closures occurring on Mondays except during national holiday exceptions. Plan your visit accordingly to ensure the facilities are open when you arrive.
During the 1854 tsunami, the temple served as both shelter for residents and storage for rice distributions to those in need. This dual purpose reveals how central the temple was to community survival during disaster.
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