Daruma-ji, Buddhist temple in Takasaki, Japan
Daruma-ji is a Buddhist temple in Takasaki where red Daruma dolls line the interior spaces on wooden shelves in orderly rows. The main halls display these traditional wooden figures as the temple's defining feature, creating a distinctive visual impression that sets it apart from other religious sites in the region.
The temple shifted from Soto Zen to Obaku Zen affiliation during the Meiji period, reflecting broader changes in Japanese Buddhism at that time. This transition shaped the temple's spiritual direction and its standing in the local Buddhist community.
The temple stands at the heart of Takasaki's connection to Daruma doll craftsmanship, with these red talismans filling its halls as offerings and symbols of perseverance. Walking through the space, you encounter layers of local devotion embedded in the everyday practice of creating and placing these wooden figures.
The temple sits in a quiet location away from the city center and is accessible by car or taxi from the main train station. Plan time to walk through the various halls and spaces, as the grounds offer multiple areas to explore at a leisurely pace.
The temple grounds contain Seishin-tei house, where German architect Bruno Taut once lived and blended his European design approach with Japanese building traditions. This residence stands as a rare meeting point of architectural ideas from two different cultures on a single site.
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