Shōun-ji, Buddhist temple in Shibuya, Japan
Shōun-ji is a Buddhist temple with a main hall housing a Jizo-Bosatsu statue, flanked by gardens planted with hydrangeas and maples along shaded walkways. A cinerarium building with a golden Buddha statue serves as a place to preserve cremated remains.
The temple was founded in 1541 as a small sanctuary and gradually developed over time. Its major transformation came in 1749 when the current main hall and supporting structures were built.
The temple follows Soto Zen Buddhism, where meditation flows naturally into everyday moments like eating and walking. This approach shapes how the space feels and how visitors experience their time here.
The temple sits in a quiet residential area and is easily reached on foot with clear pathways throughout the grounds. Visitors should allow time to walk through the gardens and spaces at a leisurely pace, especially if services are taking place.
The temple houses a Dream Kannon statue carved by sculptor Rokuya Nagae, which draws visitors seeking to transform their dreams toward more positive directions. This lesser-publicized work is a quiet yet meaningful part of the spiritual life here.
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