光妙寺, Buddhist temple in Fujisawa, Japan.
Komyo-ji is a Buddhist temple in Fujisawa with traditional Japanese wooden architecture, black-painted gates, and a large main prayer hall decorated with various elements. The complex includes several buildings and a stairway system that connects different parts of the grounds.
The temple was founded to spread the teachings of the Ji sect, a Buddhist tradition focused on Amitabha Buddha. An important gate was built in 1859 and displays imperial family crests, reflecting the long history of this place.
The main hall contains a statue of Ippen Shonin, the founding monk of the Ji Buddhist sect, surrounded by religious objects that show how locals practice their faith. The arrangement of these items reveals how worshippers use the space for prayer and meditation.
The temple is located near Fujisawa Station and is accessible on foot or by bus, making a visit straightforward. The grounds have multiple levels, so visitors should expect stairs and pathways at different elevations.
The grounds feature a stairway called Iroha-zaka with 48 steps, a number with great significance in Buddhist theology. Each step is meant to represent a different aspect of Buddhist teachings and encourage pilgrims to reflect while climbing.
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