善勝寺, Buddhist temple in Higashiōmi, Japan
Zenshō-ji is a Buddhist temple situated at the base of mountains in eastern Shiga Prefecture, featuring traditional wooden halls and stone pathways throughout its grounds. The buildings nestle into the natural slope, creating a sense of harmony between the structures and the surrounding landscape.
Founded in 607 CE during the reign of Emperor Suiko, the temple reflects architectural influences from the Korean kingdom of Baekje. These early connections shaped the design and cultural significance of this place throughout the centuries.
The temple houses a wooden statue of the eleven-faced Kannon carved from a living tree, displayed to the public only once every 50 years.
The temple is accessible by bus from Yōkaichi Station, with a journey time of approximately 30 minutes. Wear comfortable shoes, as you will walk on stone pathways and may encounter steeper sections of the grounds.
A reflective pond on the grounds mirrors the changing colors of maple trees during autumn, creating doubled images of red and gold leaves. This natural effect repeats each year when the foliage changes.
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