Gyoksen-ji, Buddhist temple in Setagaya-ku, Japan
Gyoksen-ji is a Buddhist temple in Setagaya-ku set within a cultivated garden with traditional Japanese design elements. Wooden buildings and stone lanterns are spread throughout the grounds, creating a structured landscape for visitors to walk through.
The temple was established in 1932 during a period when Buddhist practice was gaining renewed interest across Tokyo. It grew to become a significant spiritual center for the Setagaya district.
The temple serves as a gathering place where locals and visitors witness traditional Buddhist ceremonies that shape the rhythm of daily practice. The regular rituals performed here connect people to age-old spiritual traditions that continue to guide the community.
The temple welcomes visitors during daylight hours and has staff at an office who can answer questions about ceremonies and practices. Walking through the garden and grounds is straightforward and accessible for most visitors.
The garden plants change with the seasons and create different natural displays during various ceremonial times throughout the year. This shifting landscape ties the temple closely to natural cycles and seasonal celebrations.
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