Kōbō-ji, Buddhist temple in Oyama, Japan
Kōbō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Oyama with traditional Japanese architecture featuring stone lanterns and gardens designed according to classical Buddhist principles. The layout creates a balanced relationship between buildings, walkways, and planted areas that visitors encounter as they move through the grounds.
The temple was founded in 755 and ranks among the earliest Buddhist establishments in the Oyama region. It has maintained its religious role continuously through the centuries, making it a long-standing landmark in local history.
The temple serves as a working center for Buddhist ceremonies and meditation, where visitors can observe monks and laypeople engaged in daily religious practices. The rituals and routines visible here give a sense of how Buddhism remains woven into the rhythm of local life.
The easiest way to reach the temple is by taking the Odakyu Electric Railway to Isehara Station, then continuing with local transportation through the Tanzawa mountain area. It is best to start early since the journey involves mountain roads and changes of transport.
From many parts of the temple grounds, visitors can see Mount Fuji on clear days, making the mountain location especially remarkable. This visual connection between the sacred mountain and the temple created a spiritual significance for this location.
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