Enkoji, Buddhist temple in Ogaki, Japan
Enkoji is a Buddhist temple in Ogaki featuring a central garden with a pond encircled by maple trees. The complex also contains a revered statue of the thousand-armed Kannon Bodhisattva, sculpted by the master craftsman Unkei during medieval times.
The temple was originally founded to honor Kannon and evolved over centuries into a significant site for Buddhist practice. The collection of wooden printing blocks dating from the 1600s demonstrates the institution's role in preserving Japanese craft traditions.
The temple preserves a collection of 50,000 original wooden printing blocks from the 1600s, which represent a significant chapter in Japanese woodblock printing history. Visitors can observe these rare artifacts and grasp how traditional printing techniques were transmitted across generations.
The temple is accessible by regular bus service from central Ogaki with operating hours from 9:00 to 17:00. It is wise to check in advance for any closed days and wear comfortable footwear since exploring the gardens requires walking.
The garden features an underground water structure that produces subtle echoes when water drops strike the surface. This natural acoustic phenomenon creates a surprising sensory experience that many visitors overlook.
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