Shouryuu-ji, Buddhist temple in Tosa, Japan
Shouryuu-ji is a Buddhist temple in Tosa with three structures: a three-story pagoda, a main hall, and a Daishi hall arranged in a straight line. These buildings are connected by a long staircase of around 170 steps that climbs steeply uphill.
A monk founded the temple between 810 and 824 after returning from a journey to China. The site was later damaged by natural disasters and rebuilt several times over the centuries.
The temple is dedicated to a protective deity whose statue visitors encounter in the main hall. People come here to seek blessings related to matters that the deity is believed to protect.
The grounds have two parking areas near the entrance with about 50 spaces total, some of which are free. The many steps leading uphill can be tiring, so wear comfortable shoes and allow time to rest if needed.
The temple was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times after earthquakes and tsunamis, with a local ruler overseeing a major restoration in the 17th century. These repeated reconstructions tell the story of the site's resilience and the lasting devotion of those who maintained it.
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