Chōmei-ji, Buddhist temple in Omihachiman, Japan
Chōmei-ji sits on Mount Chomei at roughly 250 meters elevation and includes several halls, a three-story pagoda, and a bell tower. The complex spreads across the wooded grounds and the individual buildings are connected by narrow pathways.
The complex is said to have been founded during the reign of Emperor Keiko when Take no Uchi no Sukune built it for prayers of longevity. Over the centuries the temple was renewed several times and the current buildings mostly date from later periods.
The temple serves as the 31st station on the Saigoku Kannon Pilgrimage route and draws believers who come here to pray. Visitors can observe pilgrims pausing before the halls and lighting incense sticks as they continue their spiritual journey.
Visitors must climb 808 stone steps and need roughly 25 minutes to ascend from the base to the upper buildings. The stairway is steep and can become slippery when wet so sturdy shoes are recommended.
The principal figure of the Thousand-Armed Kannon is visible here and all structures are officially recognized as cultural properties by the prefecture or city. The protected objects also include numerous carvings and religious items kept inside the buildings.
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