Jōman-ji, Buddhist temple in Kaiyō, Japan
Jōman-ji is a Zen temple situated on a hillside above Kaiyo town, surrounded by mountains on three sides. The main buildings offer views across the town and out toward the ocean.
The temple was founded in 1575 and was the first Zen monastery built in Shikoku. Its original buildings were destroyed during wartime but have since been reconstructed.
Resident monks perform daily rituals and prayers that shape the rhythm of life here, visible to visitors who come to observe. This practice creates a spiritual environment that distinguishes the temple from secular spaces.
Reaching the temple requires hiking uphill from town, which takes some time and physical effort. Wear sturdy shoes and plan for the climb, especially when visiting during warm weather.
The chief priest speaks English and Korean, welcoming guests from many countries and making conversation possible. This creates an unexpected bridge between local Zen practice and an international community of visitors.
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