草堂寺, Buddhist temple in Shirahama, Japan
The temple sits at the top of a stone staircase that leads to an open garden offering views of mountains and the Pacific Ocean from its hilltop position. The structure occupies a raised vantage point with unobstructed sightlines across the surrounding landscape.
The structure dates to the Edo period and contains wall paintings from 1786 by artist Rosetsu Nagasawa, which received Important Cultural Property designation in 1979. These works demonstrate the artistic skill of that era and the site's place in Japanese art history.
The temple preserves several artworks by Japanese masters, featuring ink paintings of dragons, hermits, and landscapes on silk and paper screens that visitors can see inside.
Visitors can reach the temple by taking a bus from Shirahama Station to the Tonda stop, then following a walking trail to the temple grounds. The site is most accessible during warmer months, though the climb up the stairs is steep.
The garden blends mountain and sea elements in its dry landscape design, reflecting the natural surroundings of Wakayama prefecture visible from the site. This combination creates a space where visitors can observe how the terrain influences the artistic layout.
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