Shinfuku-ji, Buddhist temple in Hashima, Japan
Shinfuku-ji is a Buddhist temple in Hashima, Gifu Prefecture, with a central hall housing a Kannon Bodhisattva statue at its heart. Traditional Japanese gardens surround the building, creating a composed setting that reflects classical design principles.
Founded in 1236, the temple became established as a Buddhist center during the medieval period. Its importance grew through associations with imperial institutions, which elevated its standing in regional religious life.
The temple holds one of the oldest known manuscript copies of the Kojiki, Japan's foundational historical text, transcribed by monk Kenyu between 1371 and 1372. This document demonstrates the site's long-standing role in preserving Japanese cultural knowledge.
The temple is reachable by Hashima City Community Bus, getting off at the Osu stop, then walking about 8 minutes through a residential neighborhood. Wear comfortable shoes, as exploring the grounds on foot is the best way to experience the space.
The temple's original treasures, including sacred texts and artifacts, were relocated in 1612 on orders of Tokugawa Ieyasu to establish what became the Osu Kannon Temple in Nagoya. This relocation created a lasting connection between two important Buddhist sites that continues today.
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