志明院

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志明院, Buddhist temple in Kita-ku, Japan

Shimyoin Temple stands at the source of the Kamo River, surrounded by rhododendron forests that bloom from late April to early May.

Founded in 650 by En no Gyōja, the temple underwent significant reconstruction in 829 under Emperor Junna with the guidance of Kūkai.

The temple holds annual fire-walking ceremonies on April 29, where monks in traditional attire recite sutras and participants walk across burning embers.

The temple restricts visitors from bringing bags inside, allowing only valuables, mobile phones, and prayer book stamps during visits.

The mystical cave within the temple grounds influenced the creation of both the kabuki play Narukami and the animated film Princess Mononoke.

Location: Kita-ku

GPS coordinates: 35.13608,135.70933

Latest update: May 12, 2025 06:19

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« 志明院: Buddhist temple in Kita-ku, Japan » is provided by Around Us (aroundus.com). Images and texts are derived from Wikimedia project under a Creative Commons license. You are allowed to copy, distribute, and modify copies of this page, under the conditions set by the license, as long as this note is clearly visible.

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