Seichō-ji, Buddhist temple in Kamogawa, Japan
Seichō-ji is a Buddhist temple on Myōken Mountain in Kamogawa, Chiba Prefecture, surrounded by Asahigamori Forest. The central gate from the 17th century leads into a compound with prayer halls, pagodas and winding paths among tall trees.
Priest Fushigi founded the temple in 771 as a site for Pure Land practice. Over the centuries it shifted through Tendai and Shingon schools before following the Nichiren tradition.
The temple is managed by the Nichiren community and draws pilgrims who follow the origins of this Buddhist school. Visitors observe traditional rituals beneath ancient cedars, where monks conduct prayer ceremonies.
A community bus runs from Awa-Amatsu Station on the JR Sotobo Line toward the temple, followed by a short uphill walk. The path can be damp in summer and challenging in winter due to slippery stones.
A giant cedar tree on the temple grounds reaches 48 meters (157 feet) in height and measures 15 meters (49 feet) in trunk circumference, protected as a natural monument. This tree towers above many others in the region and is used by hikers as a landmark.
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