Rendai-Ji, Buddhist temple in Kurashiki, Japan.
Rendai-Ji is a Buddhist temple in Kurashiki housing an impressive wooden statue of Fudo Myoo standing about 7.59 meters (25 feet) tall, making it Japan's largest wooden statue of this deity. The grounds also contain a two-story pagoda and several historic buildings including a guest hall that exemplify traditional temple architecture.
The temple was founded in 738 by the monk Gyoki and served as an important center for Buddhist practice in the region. After declining during the late Heian period, it regained prominence when the Okayama Domain took it under its protection and restored its standing.
The temple hosts sliding door paintings created by the celebrated artist Maruyama Okyo that reflect the artistic connections maintained over many centuries. Visitors can observe how these works remain integral to the spiritual space and daily use of the temple.
The temple is located in a quiet area of Kurashiki and is easily accessible on foot when exploring the surroundings. Most visitors should allow 1 to 2 hours to view the statue, pagoda, and various buildings at a leisurely pace.
The temple has maintained a historical link with Konpira Shrine on Shikoku Island, serving as a stop on a traditional pilgrimage route during the Edo period. This connection reveals how the site was woven into a wider network of sacred places that pilgrims visited across regions.
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