Kan'yō-ji, Buddhist temple in Shūnan, Japan.
Kan'yō-ji is a Buddhist temple in the city of Shūnan, in Yamaguchi Prefecture, Japan. The grounds include traditional halls and garden areas arranged around a central place of worship.
The temple was established over the centuries as Buddhism took root and spread through Japan. Like many temples in the region, it was rebuilt and renewed at different points in time.
The temple houses a Kannon Bodhisattva statue that is normally kept out of public sight and shown only on special occasions. Worshippers come specifically to pray near this hidden figure, which remains the focus of devotion.
Visitors should wear quiet and covering clothing and look for any signs at the entrance hall about local conduct. Some areas of the grounds may only be open at certain times or during special occasions.
The hidden statue inside the temple is a form of what is called hibutsu, a secret Buddha kept from regular view. This practice is meant to preserve the spiritual power of the figure and make its rare unveiling a meaningful event.
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