浄楽寺, Buddhist temple in Yokosuka, Japan
Joerakuji is a Buddhist temple in Yokosuka that houses five exceptional Buddha statues. These sculptures were created by the master sculptor Unkei and display remarkable technical skill in their intricate carved details.
The temple was founded during the Kamakura period over 800 years ago through an order from shogun Minamoto no Yoritomo to Yoshimori Wada. This ancient origin reflects the deep religious heritage that shaped the region during that transformative era.
The five Buddha statues here are masterworks by the sculptor Unkei and are recognized as National Important Cultural Properties. They reflect the deep Buddhist faith that shaped this region centuries ago and continues to draw visitors today.
The temple is accessible by public transportation and can be reached on foot from nearby stations. The grounds are open to visitors and allow you to view the statues from multiple angles within the halls.
This temple houses five of the approximately 30 verified Buddha statues created by master Unkei anywhere in Japan. Finding so many works by a single medieval sculptor gathered in one location is remarkably rare across the country.
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