Sekihō-ji, Buddhist temple in Fushimi-ku, Japan
Sekihō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Fushimi-ku situated on a hill with stone steps leading up to the main hall, which houses a statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the Buddha of Healing. The grounds feature multiple structures and sculptural works arranged throughout the landscape.
The temple was founded in 1713 by Shoan Sengai from Manpuku-ji Temple after a buried Buddha statue was discovered in its original location in Settsu Province. This discovery prompted the relocation and establishment of the temple on this hilltop.
The grounds feature stone statues of Buddhist disciples created by Jakuchu Ito, a celebrated artist from the Edo period. Visitors walking through can observe these carved figures and sense the artistic skill that shaped this sacred space.
The temple is easily accessible on foot, roughly 5 minutes from Fukakusa Station on the Keihan Electric Railway or about 8 minutes from Inari Station. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as climbing the stone steps to reach the hilltop is necessary.
Each September 10th, the temple holds a memorial service called Jakuchu-ki to honor the artist Jakuchu Ito, who is buried in the grounds. This annual observance connects visitors to the deep relationship between artistic expression and spiritual practice maintained at this place.
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