慈眼寺, Buddhist temple in Fujisawa, Japan.
Jigen-ji is a Buddhist temple in Fujisawa that houses an important standing statue of the eleven-faced Kannon, recognized as a cultural property. The main hall and surrounding buildings form a quiet sanctuary within the city, where traditional structures and natural elements blend together.
The temple was established during the Tenbun period (1532-1555) when Hojo Tsunanari, the third lord of Tamakawa Castle, founded this place of worship. This founding occurred during an era when local rulers supported religious institutions to strengthen their influence in the region.
The temple holds deep meaning for the Fujisawa community as a place where local worshippers practice devotion to the eleven-faced Kannon, a bodhisattva embodying compassion. You can sense this living spiritual purpose as residents visit to offer prayers and pay their respects.
The temple is easily accessible on foot from Fujisawa Station, making it a straightforward destination for visitors and local residents. The short walk from the station also allows you to experience the neighborhood and see other local spots along the way.
On the temple grounds, three distinct tree species - holly, tabunoki, and sudaji - have woven their roots together over centuries. This unusual natural connection stands as a quiet reminder of how nature and human presence can coexist peacefully over long periods.
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