Ichijō-ji, Buddhist temple in Takatsuki, Japan
Ichijo-ji is a temple in the hills north of Takatsuki featuring a three-story stone pagoda constructed in the 12th century. The main hall sits atop a slope and houses an ancient statue reached by climbing a flight of stone stairs.
The temple was established in the 7th century when an Asian monk arrived at the site and the local ruler became interested in the teachings. The pagoda was added centuries later and has remained a significant place ever since.
The temple draws pilgrims who come to walk a sacred route and practice their faith in this spiritual setting. Visitors today experience the same sense of purpose that has brought people here for centuries.
The temple sits in a wooded area, so wear sturdy shoes and prepare for a steep climb to reach the main hall. The paths are generally well marked, but set aside extra time if you want to examine all the structures and details carefully.
The pagoda displays traditional Japanese carpentry using only wood joints and no nails to hold the structure together. This ancient building method has allowed the structure to survive earthquakes and storms for more than a thousand years.
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