Fukū-in, Buddhist temple and sanctuary in Takabatakechō, Japan.
Fukū-in is a Buddhist temple in Takabatakechō that houses a wooden seated statue of Fukukensaku Kannon from the Kamakura period. The sculpture displays fine craftsmanship and is made accessible to the public only during spring and autumn exhibitions.
The sanctuary suffered severe damage in 1854 during the Ansei earthquake and lay abandoned afterward. It was only when monk Mitani Kōgen began restoration work during the Taisho period that the site came back to life.
The temple functions as a place of refuge for visitors seeking to end relationships and begin anew. This role as a sanctuary is reflected in how the space is designed and how people use it to step away from difficult circumstances.
The temple is only accessible during spring and autumn exhibitions and requires advance booking before visiting. Guests should plan ahead and check the schedule to make the most of these limited exhibition periods.
A vermillion Shinto torii gate stands in the temple garden, showing how Buddhism and Shinto belief coexist at this site. This visible blending of religious symbols is uncommon and shapes the visual character of the sanctuary.
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