Manmyō-ji, Buddhist temple in Unzen Onsen, Japan
Manmyō-ji is a Buddhist temple located in the hot spring area of Unzen, built with traditional Japanese architectural features. The grounds include prayer halls, quiet courtyards, and buildings arranged in the classical style typical of temples from this period.
The temple was founded in 701 as part of a monk named Gyōki's mission to establish Buddhist centers across the country. It emerged during the Nara period when Buddhism was spreading to reach more regions and communities.
The temple serves as a working place of worship where visitors can observe quiet moments of devotion in its traditional spaces. Local believers and travelers use these areas for personal prayer and reflection today.
The temple is located in a busy hot spring town with nearby lodging and amenities close at hand. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since the grounds require walking on traditional pathways and some steps to reach different areas.
It is one of 49 religious buildings founded by Gyōki, the same monk who later created Japan's first detailed provincial maps. This link shows how a single person shaped both religious and cartographic work in early Japan.
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