Saihō-ji, Buddhist temple in Kanazawa, Japan
Saihō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Kanazawa with traditional gardens that cover the entire grounds and feature winding pathways. These paths connect multiple meditation spaces and ceremonial buildings arranged among trees and stone elements.
The temple was founded in the 7th century when the Hata clan established it as a center for the Hosso sect of Buddhism. Over many centuries, it has maintained its role as a significant meditation center.
Visitors can participate in sutra copying rituals held in the main hall, a practice that has been maintained here for centuries. These handwritten texts form part of the spiritual life that continues to define the temple today.
Visiting requires advance reservations, and you must remove your shoes before entering the meditation spaces and ceremonial areas. It is best to visit during warmer months when the gardens are most accessible for walking.
The garden pond is shaped like the Chinese character for heart, a subtle design detail that many visitors miss. The three islands within it bear names like Sunrise, Sunset, and Mist, creating a poetic landscape.
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