Kakurin-ji, Buddhist temple in Katsuura, Japan
Kakurin-ji is a Buddhist temple spread across three mountainsides, linking sacred halls, stone steps, and ancient cedars that line the pathways upward. The grounds function as a vertical pilgrimage site with multiple levels, each hosting different prayer halls and monuments.
The temple was founded in the late 8th century and grew through support from emperors and military leaders, showing its importance from the start. Later constructions occurred during the samurai era, reflecting how the site remained significant across centuries.
The temple is dedicated to Kannon, the goddess of mercy, and visitors encounter statues and images of this figure throughout the grounds, reflecting a central role in local spiritual life.
The climb to the temple is steep and takes several hours from the mountain's base, so wear sturdy shoes and bring plenty of water. Start early in the day to ensure you have enough daylight for the descent and to avoid being on the path after dark.
A three-story pagoda on the grounds is among the rare examples of this architecture in the entire region and received formal recognition as a protected cultural asset. This distinctive structure is over 200 years old and still stands upright on the mountain site.
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