Zenkō-ji, Buddhist temple in Kawaguchi, Japan
Zenkō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Kawaguchi with multiple buildings arranged in a linear layout, including the Daihongan, Niōmon Gate, Main Hall, and other structures. The complex guides visitors through a sequence of traditional spaces, each with its own architectural style and purpose.
The temple was established in 642 when Yoshimitsu Honda founded a sacred site and enshrined a Buddhist image at its current location. This founding moment set the stage for centuries of religious practice at this place.
The temple holds the first Buddhist statue that arrived in Japan through the Korean Peninsula in the 6th century, a work known as Amida Triad Sharing One Halo. Visitors can encounter this significant artwork and understand its spiritual role within the sacred grounds.
Entry to the temple buildings requires a fee, and tickets can be used multiple times within the same day. This allows visitors to explore the different areas at their own pace without purchasing additional tickets.
The temple keeps a secret Buddha statue hidden even from the chief priest, with a replica shown to visitors every six years. This practice creates an air of mystery and spiritual depth that sets this place apart from other temples.
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