長慶寺, Buddhist temple in Sennan, Japan
Chokei-ji Temple sits on a hilltop with two distinctive three-story pagodas and a main hall that dominate the site. Thousands of hydrangea plants spread across the grounds throughout the property.
The temple was founded in the early 700s and became an important site in the region's religious history. It faced destruction during a period of conflict but was later rebuilt, showing how it adapted over time.
The temple plays a role in a local pilgrimage route and houses Buddhist statues that visitors encounter at different points across the grounds. These statues show how the place has functioned as a worship site over many centuries.
The temple is reachable by train, and there is a walking path from the nearest station to the grounds. Wear sturdy shoes since getting to the temple involves climbing steps uphill.
The grounds feature a long stone staircase with special spots where visitors stop at certain steps to pray for different needs. This practice reflects old traditions that visitors can still observe today.
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