Ryūkō-ji, Buddhist temple in Katase, Japan
Ryūkō-ji is a Buddhist temple in Katase, situated on a hillside close to the ocean, where a five-story pagoda rises above the main hall and mountain gate. The buildings stand on different levels connected by stone paths and staircases, forming a layout that invites visitors to walk between the structures and appreciate each one individually.
The priest Nichihō established this temple in 1337 to commemorate the site where Nichiren faced execution a century earlier but was released at the last moment. The grounds have served since then as a pilgrimage destination marking the episode when the religious reformer was imprisoned and nearly killed for his teachings.
The annual September festival lights up the grounds with paper lanterns, drawing locals who carry offerings and walk through the open market stalls set up near the main hall. The ceremonies allow visitors to witness traditional devotions practiced by pilgrims who travel here specifically to honor the site associated with Nichiren's ordeal.
The temple opens daily from 9:30 to 16:00, with parking available for around 20 vehicles located three minutes from Enoshima Station. The pathways are mostly paved, though some staircases may prove challenging for wheelchair users, so visiting in the morning often ensures a quieter experience.
The underground cell where Nichiren was held before his planned execution remains accessible beneath the temple grounds today. Visitors can also view the stone platform prepared for his beheading, a detail that brings the dramatic turn of events on that day into focus.
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