Tōenbō

Tōenbō is a Buddhist temple in Japan built with traditional Japanese architecture and housing a statue of Shakyamuni in its central meditation hall. The structure combines classical Japanese design with elements drawn from Tibetan Buddhist practice.

The temple was founded in 2005 and remains the only Japanese temple to receive official recognition from the ancient Jokhang Temple of Tibet. This connection represents a rare bridge between Japanese and Tibetan Buddhist traditions.

The temple displays Buddhist paintings and Thangka artworks that convey spiritual teachings through visual narratives. These pieces help visitors experience the visual language of Tibetan Buddhist practice in a Japanese setting.

The temple opens to visitors on weekends and holidays, though temporary closures occur during ritual ceremonies and scheduled Buddhist festivals. It helps to check current visiting conditions before arriving, since religious activities take priority.

The temple focuses on relationship-centered spiritual practices with specific prayers and rituals dedicated to strengthening personal connections. This emphasis on human bonds sets it apart from many other Buddhist centers in the region.