Senkō Temple, Buddhist temple in Onomichi, Japan.
Senkō-ji is a Buddhist temple on a hilltop above the Seto Inland Sea, with prayer halls and gardens flanked by stone Buddha statues. The grounds spread across several levels with paved pathways connecting the halls and viewpoints over the harbor town below.
The temple was founded in 806 during the first year of the Daidō era and has served as the tenth station of the Chūgoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage ever since. Over the centuries the site has remained a destination for pilgrims honoring the goddess of mercy.
The Literary Path beside the temple grounds displays stone monuments honoring 25 writers connected to Onomichi, blending religious tradition with cultural remembrance. Each monument bears engraved poems or prose from authors who immortalized this harbor town in their works.
The climb to the temple is possible via the Senkōji Ropeway or stone steps winding through forested slopes. Wear comfortable shoes for the stairs and allow time to enjoy the viewpoints along the route.
Beside the halls stand stone buddhas lining the pathways, each displaying different postures and expressions. These silent figures invite visitors to pause during their walk and sense the quiet atmosphere of the site.
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