宝珠寺, Buddhist temple in Fujisawa, Japan
Houju-ji is a Buddhist temple in Fujisawa with traditional Japanese architecture featuring wooden structures, curved roofs, and carefully landscaped gardens surrounding the grounds. The buildings cluster around a central courtyard with meditation rooms, a main hall containing religious statues and altars, and smaller auxiliary structures serving various functions.
The temple was established centuries ago as a center for Buddhist worship and teaching, becoming an important religious hub in the Fujisawa region. Its structure and practices were maintained across generations, with core architectural features and ritual traditions continuously renewed over time.
The temple's name reflects Buddhist concepts of purity and light, visible in how visitors and worshippers move through the spaces. The layout and decoration guide people naturally toward areas for prayer and contemplation.
The temple welcomes visitors who want to spend time quietly walking through the gardens and galleries, with sturdy footwear and weather-appropriate clothing recommended. During opening hours, visitors can explore the grounds on their own or join occasional meditation sessions if offered.
The temple is known for an annual New Year ritual in which the temple bell is rung multiple times in a specific rhythm, symbolizing the release of worldly concerns. Visitors can witness this event and understand how local families use this custom to prepare for a fresh start.
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