Sokujō-in, Buddhist temple in Higashiyama district, Japan
Sokujō-in is a Buddhist temple in Kyoto's Higashiyama district that houses 26 Buddha statues of various ages and origins. Many of these figures are legally designated as important cultural properties because of their artistic and religious value.
Founded in 992, the temple experienced periods of closure and restoration before being relocated to its present location in 1902. These transitions shaped how the temple functions and what visitors see there today.
The temple centers on the Twenty-Five Bodhisattva figures, which visitors can see displayed and which show how Mahayana Buddhism functions in local practice. People come here to appreciate these heavenly beings as guides on the path toward enlightenment.
The temple is normally open during daytime hours and visitors should dress respectfully and keep noise low while inside. Walking paths guide guests through the grounds so you can view the statues and see how the space is arranged without needing special equipment or preparation.
The grounds contain the tomb of Nasuno Yoichi, a legendary archer from the 12th century who served under the military commander Minamoto no Yoshitsune. This connection to a famous warrior figure adds another layer to the site beyond its role as a place of worship.
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