Shōgon-ji, Buddhist temple in Nishiwaki, Japan.
Shōgon-ji is a Buddhist temple in Nishiwaki featuring a main hall and a two-story treasure pagoda topped with distinctive cypress bark roofing. The pagoda stands out for its cylindrical second floor, which blends traditional architectural style with an unusual floor design.
The temple was founded in 652 by the mountain ascetic Hodo, making it one of the region's oldest religious structures. Its pagoda underwent major reconstruction in 1711 during the Edo period, when it received its current form.
The temple holds ancestral tablets and family records of the Kuroda clan, linking it to the samurai Kuroda Kanbei. Visitors can trace these connections to the regional ruling family through the documents on display.
The genealogy exhibition room opens from 9 AM to 4 PM, allowing visitors to view historical family documents. The temple offers parking facilities suitable for large buses and is easily accessible from central Nishiwaki.
The pagoda holds the designation of Hyogo Prefecture Cultural Property, making it officially recognized for preservation. This status reflects its importance as an example of regional craftsmanship and architectural innovation from the Edo period.
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