Hōzen-ji, Buddhist temple in Shinagawa-ku, Japan
Hōzen-ji is a Buddhist temple in Shinagawa-ku featuring traditional wooden structures with sloped roofs, stone lanterns, and a garden with maple trees. The buildings display architectural elements characteristic of temples from earlier periods of Tokyo.
The temple was founded in 1384 and has endured through Tokyo's transformations, surviving natural disasters while remaining in its original location. This continuous presence demonstrates the site's resilience across more than 6 centuries.
The temple serves as a gathering place for the neighborhood, hosting regular Buddhist ceremonies where people participate in meditation and receive teachings from resident monks. The way the space is used reflects traditions that have been maintained for centuries.
The temple sits about a 10-minute walk from Shinagawa Station via the eastern exit through the residential area. Wear comfortable shoes as the surroundings include slopes and stairs leading up to the grounds.
The temple preserves a collection of ancient scrolls depicting the evolution of Buddhist practices during the Muromachi period in the Shinagawa area. These documents offer insight into religious changes from an era that many visitors overlook.
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