Taiseki-ji, Buddhist temple in Fujinomiya, Japan
Taiseki-ji is a Buddhist temple in Fujinomiya at the base of Mount Fuji, serving as the head temple of the Nichiren Shoshu school. The grounds hold numerous halls, gates, residential buildings and a five-story pagoda spread over gentle slopes and linked by paved paths.
The monk Nikko founded the temple in 1290 on land donated by a local administrator named Nanjo Tokimitsu. Over the centuries, the site grew through donations and imperial support into a central seat for Nichiren teachings.
The grounds draw followers of Nichiren Shoshu Buddhism who come for group prayer and pilgrimage rituals throughout the year. Visitors often see practitioners moving quietly between halls or chanting together near the main worship spaces.
Most of the grounds remain open to general visitors, but some ceremonial buildings require registration as a member or accompaniment by one. An early morning or mid-afternoon visit outside peak prayer times offers a quieter experience for exploring the outer areas.
The five-story pagoda was completed in 1749 using 5,000 gold Ryo donated by the daughter of Imperial Princess Tsuneko. Its dark timber and curved roofs stand out against the sky and surrounding pines.
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