円乗院

Enjo-in is a Buddhist temple in Saitama featuring traditional wooden halls with sloped roofs and ornate carvings on the structural supports. The buildings showcase the craftsmanship of their construction period and create a sense of continuity through their natural materials and design.

The temple was founded during the Edo period and has maintained its original structures through careful preservation over many generations. This ongoing care by Buddhist monks allowed the buildings to survive unchanged to the present day.

The temple serves as a gathering place where visitors can observe and participate in daily Buddhist rituals and morning meditation sessions. These practices shape the rhythm of the day and show how the space remains actively used for spiritual purposes.

Visitors can join meditation sessions that typically begin before 6:00 AM by arriving early and following the temple's dress code of modest, comfortable clothing. Approaching the space with quietness and respect helps maintain the contemplative atmosphere.

The temple houses a collection of ancient scrolls depicting Buddhist teachings, stored in a dedicated chamber with temperature controls to preserve them. These valuable manuscripts reveal the depth of the spiritual traditions maintained here.