Enpuku-ji, Buddhist temple in Fukuyama, Japan
Enpuku-ji is a Buddhist temple featuring traditional Japanese architecture spread across spacious grounds with multiple structures connected by stone pathways and landscaped gardens. The buildings display the typical design elements of regional temples while maintaining a harmonious layout throughout the complex.
The temple developed over centuries and houses a historic bell from 1462 inscribed with the Kyotoku 11 era name, reflecting medieval Japanese craftsmanship at its finest. This bell marks a significant moment in the site's past and demonstrates the skill required to create such an object.
Visitors can observe daily prayer practices and meditation sessions at the temple, where both monks and local people gather for spiritual activities. The space serves as a living center for Buddhist practice in the community rather than a museum of the past.
You enter through a designated pathway and must remove your shoes before entering the main prayer halls. It helps to check if ceremonies are happening during your visit, as this affects which areas are accessible to guests.
The temple bell rings 108 times on New Year's Eve following a Buddhist tradition meant to cleanse 108 earthly desires and begin fresh. This annual ceremony draws visitors who want to witness this meaningful practice and hear the resonant sound echoing across the grounds.
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