長樂寺

Choraku-ji is a Buddhist temple in Kami that houses about 165 painted walls and sliding doors decorated during the Edo period. These artworks were created by renowned painters including Maruyama Okyo and his students, who filled the interior rooms with detailed compositions.

The temple was founded in 745 by Buddhist monk Gyoki and became an important religious site. After suffering damage from natural disasters in the 16th century, the structure was rebuilt, establishing much of what visitors see today.

The rooms are arranged to guide visitors through interconnected spaces, where painted walls and sliding doors create a sense of progression through sacred areas. This layout helps people experience Buddhist teachings in a visual, embodied way as they move through the building.

The temple is open during morning and early afternoon hours and sits near the village of Mori in the Kasumi area. Wear comfortable shoes since you will walk through multiple rooms and may need to remove them in certain spaces depending on temple customs.

Nearly all the original wall paintings from the Edo period have been designated as important cultural properties of Japan and are now kept in climate-controlled storage facilities. This preservation step protects the precious artworks while still allowing visitors to view restored interiors and reproductions.