Kōshō-in, Buddhist temple in Kiyokawa, Japan
Kōshō-in is a Buddhist temple with multiple halls linked by covered walkways, and the main hall rises roughly 28 meters above the grounds. The buildings form a unified complex connected by these passageways that provide shelter as you walk between them.
The temple was reconstructed in 1648 under Lord Nagai Naomasa of Yodo Castle, using materials taken from Fushimi Castle. This rebuilding project shaped the physical form of the complex as it exists today.
The temple follows Jodo-Shinshu Buddhist practices and you can see how the spaces are arranged for prayer and quiet reflection. The way the buildings connect shows how monks and visitors move through the grounds for daily worship.
The walkways between halls have different surfaces and slopes, so comfortable walking shoes are helpful for exploring the grounds. Pay attention to weather conditions, as some areas can become slippery when wet.
The temple features specially designed floors that create sounds when you walk on them, originally built as an early warning system. These nightingale floors still produce their subtle creaking sounds as visitors move across them today.
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