霊巌寺, Buddhist temple in Yame, Japan.
Reiganji Temple sits within a landscape of natural rock formations, including a 12-meter-high stone called Chinpo-iwa and several other geological features. These stone shapes and the surrounding grounds create a distinctive character that shapes the appearance of the entire site.
The temple was founded roughly 600 years ago by Zen master Eirin Shuzui, who returned from travel in Ming Dynasty China and chose this location for its resemblance to Lingyan Temple. This connection to China influenced the spiritual foundation of the place from its earliest days.
The temple maintains a deep connection to Yame's tea culture, and visitors can see how tea remains woven into daily practices at the site. This relationship with the region's tea heritage shapes the rhythm of activities and gatherings throughout the year.
The temple is relatively accessible from Yame and has parking space for around 50 vehicles. The rocky grounds can become slippery during rain, so visitors should take care when walking across the site, particularly on the paths near the stone formations.
The grounds hold five naturally formed rocks, with one called Zazen-iwa that served as a meditation spot for Buddhist masters over many centuries. This stone demonstrates how the place has long been linked to spiritual practice.
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