Manpukuji, Buddhist temple in Masuda, Japan
Manpukuji is a Buddhist temple in Masuda with a main hall built in 1374 that displays traditional Japanese religious architecture. The structure features visible wooden supports and curved rooflines typical of Buddhist temples from this period.
The temple was founded in 1374 and ranks among the older religious sites in the region. During the Second Choshu expedition of 1866, it became a battleground where the main hall's wooden pillars were marked by gunfire.
The temple is connected to a garden designed according to Zen principles, using stones and water features to create a meditative space. Visitors can explore this serene setting, which was created about 500 years ago by the monk Sesshu Toyo.
The temple is open daily to visitors and provides ample time to explore the buildings and grounds. Visitors should wear appropriate clothing and be prepared to navigate stairs between different areas of the property.
Inside are two treasure rooms holding historical objects, including a reproduction of a Kamakura period painting collection. This collection displays rare artistic works that are otherwise not easily accessible.
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