Ankoku-ji, Buddhist temple in Takayama, Japan.
Ankoku-ji is a Buddhist temple in Takayama that contains a wooden sutra repository built in the early 15th century, showcasing traditional Japanese carpentry techniques. This storage building is recognized as a national treasure for its architectural and cultural importance.
Founded in 1347 by the Ashikaga brothers, the temple was originally laid out as a large complex with multiple main halls and smaller buildings spread across the grounds. The sutra repository survived through the centuries and remains a key example of the craftsmanship from that era.
The temple holds meaning as a station on a local pilgrimage route that connects several Buddhist sites across the region, and visitors still use it as part of their spiritual journey. This role has shaped how the place is experienced and valued by people who pass through.
The temple is located outside the main tourist area of Takayama, though it remains accessible on foot from the city center if you have time for a walk. Planning your visit in advance helps since the path is not immediately obvious from the main streets.
One remarkable feature is a mixed-media statue of Master Zuigan created in 1392, combining a wooden head with other materials in an unusual way. This combination of different crafting techniques makes the sculpture a special example of how artisans blended materials creatively.
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