Kanzen-ji temple, Buddhist temple in Nagasaki, Japan.
Kanzen-ji is a Buddhist temple in Nagasaki built with traditional Japanese wooden structures, stone pathways, and a garden designed according to Zen principles. The compound combines classic architecture with natural elements that create spaces for quiet reflection.
The temple was founded in 1628 by a Chinese priest and shaped spiritual life in the city for centuries. After being destroyed in the 1945 atomic bombing, it was later reconstructed and continues to hold historical importance for the community.
The temple maintains regular zazen meditation sessions and religious ceremonies that connect local residents with traditional Buddhist practices.
The temple is about a 10-minute walk from JR Nagasaki Station and welcomes visitors daily. Plan to spend an hour or two exploring, and be aware that stone pathways can become slippery in wet conditions.
The temple houses a large statue of the Bodhisattva Guanyin perched on a turtle's back, a rare sight among Buddhist temples in the region. This depiction draws from Chinese tradition and gives the place its own distinctive character.
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