蘭庭院, Buddhist temple in Hirosaki, Japan.
The temple features an octagonal tower with a red metal roof and a spiral staircase located among 33 temples in the Zenrinkai district. The structure sits on quiet grounds with traditional architecture and holds a prominent place within this religious neighborhood.
The temple was relocated from Kanehira village to downtown Hirosaki, and its tower was built in 1839 to honor victims of maritime accidents and famine. This relocation shows how the city changed over time and how important this memorial site became for the local community.
The temple belongs to the Soto Zen Buddhist tradition, and its name comes from the Buddhist name of the founder's sister. This personal connection to the founding family remains visible in how the temple is maintained today.
To access the pagoda interior, you need to get a key from the temple office, and parking is available at the nearby Chosho-ji temple grounds. It helps to check ahead whether the office is staffed to make sure you can enter without delays.
The structure contains the northernmost spiral pagoda in Japan, featuring a right-handed ascending corridor combined with straight staircases. This architectural feature makes it a rare example of temple construction and draws visitors interested in traditional Japanese building techniques.
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