Chōtoku-ji, Buddhist temple in Tokamachi, Japan.
Chōtoku-ji is a Buddhist temple in Tokamachi, Niigata Prefecture, featuring several religious buildings and statues arranged across the grounds. The complex sits nestled at the base of gentle hills, creating a secluded sanctuary.
The temple was founded in 807 by the Buddhist saint Kobo Daishi, who modeled it after Hasedera Temple in Nara Prefecture. This early establishment connected two significant religious sites through shared architectural principles.
The temple holds three statues of the Eleven-Headed Kannon from the Heian period, recognized as national cultural treasures of Japan. These sculptures shape the spiritual character of the place and draw visitors interested in Buddhist art.
The temple sits about 30 minutes by car from Ryotsu Port and offers parking for around 30 vehicles. The accessible location and parking facilities make a visit straightforward to arrange.
The grounds hold three ancient cedar trees over 1000 years old and a 500-year-old Japanese umbrella pine. These living monuments reveal the long history of the place through their physical presence alone.
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