天嶽院, Buddhist temple in Fujisawa, Japan.
Tengaku-in is a temple in Fujisawa featuring traditional Japanese wooden architecture with halls, gates, and a garden containing a pond with koi. The main buildings sit at the top of the grounds, connected by a stepping stone path through the landscaped area.
The temple has been rebuilt multiple times following fires throughout its history, with the current main hall constructed in 1937. These reconstructions show how the place has endured and recovered over the centuries.
The temple shows its links to both the Imperial and Tokugawa families through family crests displayed on its gates and structures. These symbols reflect the powerful connections that shaped the place over centuries.
Visitors enter through the So-mon gate, which leads to a slope with 48 steps ascending to the main buildings. Wearing comfortable shoes is recommended since the grounds involve climbing and walking on various surfaces.
A 700-year-old ginkgo tree stands at the top of the steps, marking the entrance to the temple's principal structures. This ancient tree remains a silent landmark and gathering point for visitors reaching the upper grounds.
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