鹿苑寺, Buddhist temple in Mino, Japan.
Rokuon-ji is a Buddhist temple in Mino featuring a main hall with a dragon painted on its ceiling and a hexagonal pavilion situated at a mountain pass along the former Gujo road. The buildings reflect traditional design set within a landscape that shaped the route between settlements.
The temple was founded in 1175 by monk Kakua under the name Rozan Daihiin and was renamed Rokuon-ji in 1742 when monk Mitsugan led its restoration. This change of name reflected a significant period of renewal at the site.
The temple preserves several Buddhist statues designated as Important Cultural Properties, including a standing Kannon from the late Heian period that shows the artistic and spiritual depth of the place. These sculptures remain central to how visitors engage with the site today.
A major festival takes place on the second Saturday of February each year, when visitors gather to pray for protection from misfortune throughout the year. This is an ideal time to experience local practices and the energy of the celebration if you plan your visit accordingly.
The painted dragon on the ceiling of the main hall displays a striking optical effect in which the creature appears to follow the gaze of visitors from any position in the room. This artistic technique creates an engaging interaction between the artwork and those who view it.
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