陽雲寺, Buddhist temple in Kamisato, Saitama Prefecture, Japan
Yōun-ji is a Sōtō Zen Buddhist temple located in Kamisato, in Saitama Prefecture, Japan. The grounds include old wooden structures, stone pathways, a cemetery, and a historic bronze bell.
The temple was originally founded in 820 by the Buddhist monk Ennin under the name Manganji. After being destroyed by wars and fires, it was rebuilt several times before receiving its current name, Yōun-ji.
Yōun-ji belongs to the Sōtō school of Zen Buddhism and is still used today for prayer and ceremonies. Local festivals and community events are held on the grounds, drawing people of all ages from the surrounding area.
The temple is within walking distance of Kamikoma Station and can also be reached by taxi from Kamihoshoya Station. The stone pathways on the grounds are generally manageable, though sturdy shoes are helpful for the uneven surfaces.
Local tradition holds that Hidehime, a concubine of the warlord Takeda Shingen, was born at this temple and spent much of her life here, reportedly dying at age 94. This connection gives the site a quiet link to one of the most storied periods of Japanese history.
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