Ganjōju-in, Buddhist temple in Izunokuni, Japan
Ganjōju-in is a Buddhist temple in Izunokuni that houses five Buddhist statues carved by master sculptor Unkei and designated as National Treasures of Japan. The collection includes an Amida Buddha and Bishamonten figure, both recognized for their artistic craftsmanship.
The temple was founded in 1189 by Hojo Tokimasa as a prayer for victory during the Oshu campaign, and then expanded under the leadership of three generations of the Hojo family. This family shaped how the place developed and grew more important over several decades.
The temple preserves many building features from when it was rebuilt during the Edo period, with a thatched main hall constructed in 1789 that shows the craftsmanship of that era. These structures reflect how people constructed important religious spaces at that time.
The temple is reachable on foot in about 15 minutes from Nirayama Station on the Izuhakone Railway, with opening hours from 10:00 to 16:00 each day. It is a short and manageable walk from the station, making it easy for most visitors to reach.
Archaeological excavations revealed evidence of a large pond that once stood in front of the temple hall, similar to the designs of Byodoin and Motsuji temples. This discovery shows that the grounds were designed following the pattern of other major Buddhist temples.
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