Fukuzen-ji, Buddhist temple in Tomo-machi, Fukuyama, Japan.
Fukuzen-ji is a Buddhist temple in Tomo-machi built on a hill called Kaiganzan Senjyuin and features a large open-sided pavilion. This structure frames views across the Seto Inland Sea toward the distant Bentenjima island, creating a natural viewing platform.
The temple was founded in 963 by the Buddhist monk Kuya and became part of the Shingon-shu Daikaku-ji school. It later became valued by visitors from both Japan and Korea during times of increased contact between the two regions.
The temple became a place where Korean and Japanese officials met during the Edo period, making it a point of cultural exchange between nations. Visitors who came here could experience both the spiritual atmosphere of the sanctuary and the social importance it held at that time.
The temple sits about 30 minutes by bus from Fukuyama Station near the coast. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and allow time for the walk up the hillside.
Inside the Taichourou pavilion sits an old telescope that visitors can use to examine the pagoda on Bentenjima island across the water. This historic instrument offers an uncommon way to study the distant landmark.
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