Sekkoji, Buddhist temple in Katsuragi, Japan.
Sekkoji is a Buddhist temple in Katsuragi, Nara Prefecture, set at the foot of Mount Nijo and known for its stone Buddha statues. The grounds include traditional wooden temple buildings arranged around a garden that changes noticeably with the seasons.
The temple is said to have been founded in the early 7th century, making it one of the oldest sites of its kind in the region. The stone Buddha figures on the grounds are among the earliest Buddhist sculptures in Japan, reflecting how the religion first took root here.
Sekkoji is known for its peony garden, which draws visitors every spring when the flowers are in bloom across the temple grounds. The peonies have been cultivated here for generations and are now closely tied to how local people experience this place.
The temple is within walking distance of Katsuragi Station, with signposted paths guiding visitors through the surrounding area. A visit in spring is rewarding, as the garden is at its most colorful during that time.
The grounds contain an old well called Somenoi, which is tied to a legend about Princess Chujo and the dyeing of lotus threads. The story connects this specific spot to one of the most retold tales in the religious history of the Nara region.
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