Chōraku-ji, Buddhist temple in Higashiyama district, Japan
Chōraku-ji is a Buddhist temple in Higashiyama with stone lanterns marking pathways that lead toward the main worship hall. The temple layout spreads across connected courtyards and smaller structures that create a sense of depth as you move through the grounds.
The temple was founded in 805 as a branch of a major mountain monastery during a period when Buddhism was expanding throughout Japan. Its establishment connected it to an important network of religious institutions that shaped Japanese spiritual life.
The temple hosts regular meditation sessions and sutra recitation that draw both locals and visitors seeking spiritual practice. These gatherings show how Buddhist teachings remain woven into the daily rhythm of the community.
The temple is easiest to reach on foot from the Gion district, which sits about 15 minutes away and connects well with local buses. The walk through nearby streets gives you time to settle into the quieter surroundings as you approach the grounds.
The temple houses a sacred image with an unusual appearance that remains hidden from public view except during rare national ceremonies. This hidden treasure connects the site to moments of great significance in Japan's past and present.
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