Chōju-ji

Chōju-ji is a Buddhist temple comprising several traditional buildings arranged within a landscaped compound, including a main hall, living quarters, and structures dedicated to the founder and chief abbot. The structures showcase the classical layout and design of Japanese temple architecture.

The temple was founded in 1358 when a member of the Ashikaga family converted a former residence into a sacred site to honor his deceased father. This transformation occurred during the early Muromachi period when the family held political power.

Inside the temple halls, statues from the Muromachi period depict figures important to the Ashikaga family, showing how their memory was honored through religious art and practice.

The grounds are typically accessible on weekends and offer a quieter visiting experience compared to weekday hours. Personal cameras are welcome, but professional photography equipment requires special permission, so visitors should plan accordingly.

Two distinctive monuments stand in the front garden area, one made of stone and another of wood, both containing personal relics. These structures reveal how deep religious devotion and family reverence were intertwined in practice.