安楽寺

Anrakuji is a Buddhist temple in Ogaki featuring traditional Japanese architecture with a white Chinese-style gate and a two-storey pagoda standing on its grounds. The complex includes lodging with 80 rooms furnished with tatami floors and serves vegetarian meals prepared using traditional methods.

The temple was destroyed in the 16th century by warlord Chosokabe Motochika but was later rebuilt and designated as an Ekiroji, a lodging place for travelers. This reconstruction gave it new purpose as a waystation on historical travel routes.

The temple holds morning ceremonies where visitors can watch Buddhist practices and learn about traditional customs from resident monks who make this place their home. These daily rituals shape the rhythm of life here and show how Buddhism continues to be practiced in a living community.

The temple welcomes visitors during daytime hours and offers lodging in 80 rooms with tatami flooring for those who wish to stay overnight. Vegetarian meals are prepared and served using traditional recipes, which visitors should keep in mind when planning meals around temple activities.

The temple grounds feature a Benten Pond where numerous koi carp swim beneath the surface near the pagoda. This quiet water garden offers a tranquil spot to pause and watch the fish glide through the water.