Shōkaku-in, Buddhist temple in Yachiyo, Japan
Shōkaku-in is a Buddhist temple in Yachiyo with a main hall housing a large wooden statue of the bodhisattva Avalokiteśvara. The grounds feature multiple temple buildings, maintained gardens, and several structures designated as cultural properties.
The temple was founded during the Nara period as a hermitage by an Indian priest and gradually expanded into a large complex. A major fire in the Tenshō era later transformed its layout and size.
The temple organizes an annual Aburayama porridge ceremony on February 1st, where red bean porridge placement in the main hall predicts weather and harvest outcomes.
Visitors can explore the grounds but should respect times when religious ceremonies and funeral services are held, which occur regularly. It helps to check ahead about these occasions to ensure a peaceful and respectful visit.
Mount Abura's name and the temple's identity trace back to the historical practice of extracting oil from camellia seeds that grew on the grounds. This connection to a local resource shaped the site's identity for centuries.
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