養命寺, Buddhist temple in Fujisawa, Japan.
Yōmyō-ji is a Sōtō Zen temple in the Minamijō district of Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, formally named Hikijisan Yōmyō-ji. Its main image is a seated Yakushi Nyorai, the Medicine Buddha, and the temple is the Hotei stop on the Fujisawa Shichifukujin pilgrimage. The grounds stand along Kanagawa Prefectural Route 43, the Fujisawa-Atsugi line.
Yōmyō-ji was founded around the Tenshō era (1573–1592) by Gyōdō, though some accounts place its origin in the Enbun era (1356–1361). Daisei restored the temple during the Enkyō era (1744–1748). Its principal image is a seated Yakushi Nyorai statue dated by inscription to 1197, a National Important Cultural Property.
The temple serves as a gathering place where local residents participate in prayers and meditation throughout the year. These regular activities show how Buddhism remains part of daily life in Fujisawa.
The temple is open to visitors most days between morning and late afternoon hours. Wearing comfortable shoes is recommended, and being prepared to show respect for the active place of worship is important during your visit.
The temple cemetery holds a collection of stone monuments and grave markers arranged according to local Buddhist burial traditions. These burial sites demonstrate the long history of religious practice and family connections to this place.
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