安國寺

Ankokuji is a Buddhist temple in Ayabe with a main hall housing wooden Buddha statues and flanking attendant figures at its center. The grounds include secondary buildings and gardens arranged across the property, offering various spaces to walk through and observe.

The temple was founded in 993 under a different name and was renamed during Japan's medieval period when influential families supported its growth. Its connection to powerful rulers of that era shaped its role and development over the following centuries.

The temple serves as an active place of Buddhist practice and worship for the local community, where visitors can observe how spiritual traditions are maintained and passed down through generations. The halls and grounds show signs of ongoing care and use by monks and worshippers who gather here regularly.

The temple is easily reached by public transport and sits just a short walk from a nearby bus stop, making it accessible without a car. You can freely enter the outdoor areas, though viewing some interior spaces involves leaving a voluntary donation.

A historic well on the grounds holds local significance tied to a medieval-era family of influence, offering a tangible connection to the temple's past that often goes unnoticed by casual visitors. This preserved structure quietly testifies to stories embedded in the temple's history.