Mangan-ji, Buddhist temple in Azumino, Japan
Mangan-ji is a Buddhist temple in Azumino that belongs to the Shingon Buddhist Sect Chizan School and centers its worship on the Thousand-Hand Kanzeon Bodhisattva. The temple sits within a natural forest setting and contains several structures, including a main hall recognized as a Cultural Property.
The temple was founded around 767 and grew into an important spiritual site over the centuries. The main hall was first built in 1368, then completely reconstructed after a major fire in 1740.
The temple serves as a living center for traditional Buddhist practice, where visitors can participate in meditation and waterfall rituals that connect them to spiritual teachings. The designated Cultural Property buildings shape how people experience the space and reflect the site's continued importance to the local Buddhist community.
The temple is located in a forested area and is accessible by foot from town, though it may require walking through natural surroundings. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes and be aware that meditation sessions begin early in the morning, so arriving early is recommended.
The temple is known for limestone caverns located on its grounds, which form an unusual natural feature. These caves, combined with the forested setting, create a rare blend of religious and geological elements that set the place apart.
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