Meikaku-ji, Buddhist temple in Shimogyō-ku, Japan.
Meikaku-ji is a Buddhist temple in Shimogyō-ku that follows the Chisan School of the Shingon sect and features meditation halls and ceremonial spaces for religious practices. The grounds showcase traditional architecture and a layout designed for daily worship and ritual functions.
The temple received official recognition from Emperor Takakura in 1717, marking a significant phase in the development of Buddhist institutions in Kyoto. This event secured its status as an established sanctuary within the Shingon tradition.
The temple houses wooden statues of Yakushi Nyorai and Shaka Nyorai that are recognized as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. These works demonstrate the artistic tradition and religious devotion that continue to thrive within this sanctuary.
Visitors can reach the temple by taking the Kyoto City Bus to the Matsubara Akezunomon-dori stop and walking east for about five minutes. The grounds are easy to navigate and offer a quiet setting for exploration.
The temple is part of two major pilgrimage routes: the Rakuyo Kannon Pilgrimage and the Kyoto 13 Buddha Pilgrimage, drawing spiritual seekers to its grounds. This dual role places it within a larger network of religious destinations throughout the city.
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