Hōsen-ji, Buddhist temple in Kiryū, Japan
Hōsen-ji is a Buddhist temple in Kiryū featuring a traditional bell tower that serves as the main gate entrance to its grounds. The site displays typical Japanese religious architecture, with stone lanterns lining the path and various Buddha statues scattered throughout the area.
The temple was founded over 1200 years ago and has maintained its place in the region for centuries. The grounds originally covered much of the land that eventually became Waseda University's campus as the area developed.
The temple is a spiritual place where students from nearby university come to pray and seek blessings. The Katsumori charms with their white W mark have become a local tradition among those preparing for important exams.
The temple is reached by following Nanmon Street, where stone lanterns mark the path to the main hall. Comfortable shoes are recommended as the grounds include natural pathways and stone surfaces.
The grounds contain numerous Buddhist gravestones and stone sculptures, including a Stone Buddha that demonstrates traditional Japanese carving techniques. These religious artworks offer visitors a window into burial practices and artistic methods passed down through generations.
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