Seigan-ji, Buddhist temple in Maibara, Japan
Seigan-ji is a Buddhist temple at the base of Mount Futoh with stone pathways running through forested grounds to a main hall featuring dark wooden beams and sloping tiled roofs. The site includes ancient stone lanterns and traditional wells showing classical Japanese construction methods.
The temple developed as a religious site with architecture reflecting water management methods used in Japanese temple construction. Over time, the garden's development shaped the site's appearance, making it an example of long-term maintenance and care.
The garden design shows a turtle and crane made from stones and moss, following karesansui principles of Japanese landscape creation. This traditional approach shapes how visitors move through and experience the wooded grounds.
The site offers pathways through forest and around the garden, allowing visitors to explore at a relaxed pace without special equipment needed. Comfortable shoes work well, and it helps to allow time to view the garden from different angles and positions throughout the grounds.
Visitors can practice meditation by tracing designs of Buddhist figures onto Japanese paper, creating a direct connection to the spiritual practice at the temple. This activity links hand work with quiet reflection while surrounded by the moss garden.
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