長寿寺, Buddhist temple in Kumamoto, Japan
Chojuji is a Buddhist temple compound on the eastern side of Kumamoto with multiple halls connected by stone pathways that wind through landscaped gardens in traditional Japanese style. The buildings are arranged to create separate functional spaces for worship, meditation, and daily activities.
The temple was founded in the early Edo period and underwent major reconstructions following the fires that occurred during the Satsuma Rebellion in 1877. These episodes of destruction and rebuilding left marks on the physical structure that remain visible today.
The temple practice of Nichiren Buddhism shapes the spiritual life of local residents through daily ceremonies and seasonal rituals that remain rooted in traditional Japanese customs. Visitors can observe these ongoing religious practices woven into the community's everyday rhythm.
The temple grounds are open from sunrise to sunset, allowing visitors to explore the gardens at their own pace without time pressure. Morning meditation sessions are available but require advance arrangement.
The temple preserves ancient scrolls containing Buddhist teachings and accounts of local historical events recorded by resident monks over centuries. These handwritten documents offer a window into the sanctuary's daily life as experienced by those who lived there.
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