Tesshū-ji, Buddhist temple in Shimizu-ku, Japan
Tesshū-ji is a Buddhist temple in Shimizu-ku featuring intricate carvings of airborne lions, birds, and a dragon beneath the eaves of its main ceremonial hall. The grounds include a bell pavilion and multiple pathways that guide visitors through the complex.
The temple was founded during the Nara period as Kiyomi-dera and underwent a major transformation in 1262 when the monk Enni established it as a Rinzai school temple. This shift shaped its spiritual identity for centuries to follow.
The temple houses a statue of Shaka Nyorai, the historical Buddha, which serves as the main focus for prayer and meditation. Visitors encounter this as a central point of devotion within the complex.
The temple sits near three other temples within walking distance of Shimizu station, making it convenient to visit multiple sites. The grounds are accessible and open to explore, with clear pathways leading through the different areas.
In June 1887, the temple hosted a strategic planning conference for the Imperial Japanese Navy. This historical gathering links the site to a significant moment in Japanese military history.
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