Daruma-ji, Buddhist temple in Ōji, Japan
Daruma-ji is a Buddhist temple in Ōji centered around a wooden seated statue of Daruma carved in 1430 and holding cultural property status. The main hall, known as the hōjō, displays this work alongside other historical pieces while itself serving as a designated prefectural cultural property since 1989.
The temple was built in the early 13th century during the Kamakura period at the site of a kofun with legendary spiritual significance. The wooden Daruma statue came later in the 15th century, commissioned as a gift that reflected the temple's growing importance.
The temple holds artworks tied to the spiritual life of the region, including depictions of Prince Shōtoku and Buddha that visitors can see today. These pieces show how this place served as a center for local religious devotion across generations.
The temple is located in Ōji and welcomes visitors to its grounds and main buildings where the artworks are displayed. Check opening times before visiting, especially if you plan to see the full collection of sculptures and paintings.
The temple preserves a legend about a remarkable dog named Yukimaru said to possess extraordinary abilities including the capacity to understand human speech. A monument at the site commemorates this animal, making it a quirky detail that sets this temple apart from many others.
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