Dōmyō-ji, Buddhist temple in Fujiidera, Japan
Dōmyō-ji is a Buddhist nunnery in Fujiidera housing an eleven-headed statue of Avalokiteśvara carved from a single piece of kaya wood during the early Heian period. This sculpture stands as one of the site's most treasured religious artworks and draws visitors interested in traditional Buddhist craftsmanship.
The nunnery was founded in 594 under Empress Suiko's rule after the Haji clan donated their estate to establish it. Later it became linked with scholar Sugawara no Michizane and gained importance in the region's religious development.
The nunnery maintains deep ties to Domyoji powder production, a special rice flour used in traditional Japanese sweets. Visitors can see how this craft connection shapes the local community's identity today.
The site is easily reached on foot from Domyoji Station and works well as a day visit. The grounds offer space to walk around and explore the historical remains scattered across the property.
The original foundation stones and the base of a former five-story pagoda remain visible on the grounds. These archaeological remnants tell the story of earlier structures and show how the site changed across the centuries.
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