Shinchoji, Buddhist temple in Gifu, Japan
Shinchoji is a Buddhist temple in Gifu housing a monumental statue within its central hall. This 13.7-meter tall figure is constructed from wood, bamboo, and clay, then covered with golden lacquer and carved Buddhist texts.
Construction of the great statue began in 1790 under the guidance of Ichu, the eleventh temple priest, and was completed in 1832. This decades-long project reflected the religious aspirations of the local Buddhist community.
The temple belongs to the Obaku school of Zen Buddhism, representing a specific lineage of Japanese Buddhist practice. Visitors encounter this spiritual tradition through the temple's architecture and the golden lacquered surfaces that reflect centuries of devotion.
The temple is accessible by bus from JR Gifu Station in approximately 15 minutes, followed by a short walk of about 5 minutes to reach the entrance. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as the grounds include some steps and uneven surfaces.
At the heart of the statue lies a ginkgo tree trunk that serves as the structural core for the entire figure. This hidden botanical element reveals how craftspeople ingeniously combined natural materials with skilled construction techniques.
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