Zenkō-ji, Buddhist temple in Minato-ku, Japan
Zenkō-ji is a Buddhist temple centered around a grand main hall with elaborate decorations and multiple religious statues throughout the space. The grounds contain several buildings with prayer areas, meditation rooms, and an underground passage that guides visitors through complete darkness.
The temple was established in 642 when Yoshimitsu Honda built a shrine to house sacred religious images at this location. Over the centuries it developed into an important spiritual center that has maintained its role in the community.
The temple welcomes visitors from all walks of life without distinction, reflecting a philosophy of broad spiritual inclusion that shapes how people use the space today. This openness means you will see worshippers of different backgrounds moving through the halls at the same time.
The temple is open for visitors to walk the grounds and participate in morning services if they wish to join. Wear comfortable shoes as you will navigate multiple levels and passages, including the underground section that requires moving through darkness.
The temple's most sacred religious image has been hidden from view for more than 1300 years, and no person has ever seen it. This secrecy is so strict that even the temple's own monks and clergy members are not permitted to view it.
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