Zenkei-ji, Buddhist temple in Ota, Japan
Zenkei-ji is a Buddhist temple in Ota with meditation halls, altars, and an inner prayer chamber where morning rituals happen under priestly guidance. The temple layout follows traditional Japanese design with different spaces for various religious purposes.
This temple was founded in 1291 and grew into a center for Buddhist practice in the Tokyo region. Over centuries it maintained its role as an important pilgrimage site.
The temple keeps a hidden Buddha statue, called hibutsu, away from public view, but a replica named Maedachi Honzon is displayed every six years as a special occasion. This rare showing draws local people who consider it a meaningful moment.
Visitors should show respect and wear appropriate attire when entering the grounds. The place requires quiet behavior and mindfulness during your stay.
A dark corridor in the temple lets practitioners touch a suspended metal key that symbolizes the path toward Buddhist enlightenment. This unusual ritual is overlooked by most visitors.
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