Fudō-in Iwaya-dō, Buddhist temple in Wakasa, Japan.
Fudō-in Iwaya-dō is a Buddhist temple built within a natural cave in Wakasa, Japan, featuring a wooden structure supported by long pillars. The interior holds a black-skinned statue of Fudō Myōō that serves as the main focus of worship.
The temple was founded in 806 and stands as one of Japan's oldest surviving structures. It escaped destruction during the 16th century when much of the surrounding region was burned, allowing it to remain largely intact.
The black-skinned Fudō Myōō statue inside draws visitors who come to pray and make offerings at this sacred space. People use the temple as a place for spiritual devotion and connection to this particular Buddhist practice.
The temple is reached by traveling from the nearest station and there is a small parking area at the site for visitors. The path leading to the entrance involves some climbing, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the visit.
The kakezukuri construction method suspends the wooden structure on long pillars extending from the cave wall, creating a building that floats above the cave floor. This rare building technique was chosen to preserve the natural cave while still creating usable space.
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