Manpukuji

Manpukuji is a Buddhist temple located in Miyoshi with two treasure halls containing artwork, statues, and paintings. These rooms also house a replica of an important cultural artifact.

The main hall was built in 1374 and later became the family temple of the Masuda clan when a local lord relocated it near his residence. This made the site an important center for the clan's spiritual life.

The garden here reflects Zen Buddhist design principles, with carefully placed rocks and a water feature that together create the shape of Chinese characters. Today visitors can observe how this layout guides the eye and creates a sense of balance.

The grounds are open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM with spaces set aside for meditation. Visitors should dress appropriately and be respectful of the calm atmosphere.

The temple walls bear bullet holes from 1866, when local fighters defended the structure during intense combat. These marks serve as a physical reminder of turbulent times in Japanese history.