清巖寺, Buddhist temple in Utsunomiya, Japan
Kiyougan-ji is a Buddhist temple in Utsunomiya featuring wooden buildings, traditional gates, and several smaller temple structures arranged across the grounds. Stone pathways connect these areas through landscaped gardens, creating a cohesive layout for visitors to explore.
The temple was founded in the early 1600s and became a central religious institution for the Jodo-shu Buddhist sect in the Tochigi region. Its long history has made it an established place of worship that continues to serve the local Buddhist community.
This temple serves as an active place of worship where local devotees come regularly to pray and leave offerings before the Buddhist statues. The daily presence of practicing Buddhists shapes how the space functions and the quiet, reverent mood that fills it.
The temple is accessible by bus from central Utsunomiya and clearly marked for visitors. Well-maintained pathways let you move through different areas comfortably, though some sections include stairs.
The temple has a dedicated meditation space where practitioners perform nembutsu chanting, an ancient Buddhist prayer practice that creates a unique sound experience. This centuries-old chanting tradition remains an important part of daily religious life at this site.
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