Shōun-ji, Buddhist temple in Utsunomiya, Japan.
Shōun-ji is a Buddhist temple in Utsunomiya featuring buildings with traditional Japanese architecture, gardens with ponds and bridges, plus a shrine dedicated to Benzaiten. The grounds combine multiple architectural elements into a coherent complex.
The temple was founded in 1470 and preserves several relief carvings and statues from the Heian Period. These older works date back centuries before the temple's establishment.
The temple holds a stone carving of Senju Kannon, the Buddhist deity of compassion depicted with multiple arms. This sculpture reflects the artistic traditions that visitors encounter throughout the grounds.
The temple is accessible by regular buses from Utsunomiya Station and easy to reach. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as the grounds are explored on foot.
A 27-meter Heiwa Kannon statue stands on the grounds, built after World War II to commemorate those affected by the conflict. This monument represents a later addition to the temple's spiritual landscape.
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