円通寺, Buddhist temple in Obu, Japan
Entsu-ji is a Buddhist temple in Obu featuring a traditional complex of gardens, stone gardens, and wooden buildings arranged around a central prayer hall. Visitors walk on paved paths and through open areas that allow them to view the architecture from different angles.
The temple was founded in 1340 during the Northern and Southern Courts period and preserves several artifacts from that era. Its establishment occurred during an important time in Japanese history when Buddhist temples were being built across the country.
The temple holds a wooden gate structure and a standing Kannon Bodhisattva statue that visitors recognize as important cultural objects. These works reflect the artistic and spiritual direction that has shaped this place across generations.
The temple grounds are open on most days and allow visitors to explore the buildings and gardens at their own pace. Wearing good footwear is recommended since the paths lead to stone areas and gardens where surface conditions can vary with the season.
On May 3rd, the temple displays a straw snake artwork roughly 20 meters long between two large trees on Kannon slope as a local protection ritual. This yearly practice is a rare example of a folk tradition still carried out at this location.
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