Ikegami Honmon-ji, Buddhist temple in Ikegami, Tokyo, Japan
Ikegami Honmon-ji is a Buddhist temple in Ikegami, southern Tokyo, Japan, spread across a wooded hillside. The complex includes a five-story pagoda, several halls, a bell tower, and a Japanese garden with ponds and stone lanterns.
The site became a memorial in 1282 after the Buddhist teacher Nichiren took his last breath there. The current pagoda dates from 1608 and survived both the great 1923 earthquake and World War II bombing raids.
During the Oeshiki festival in October, participants carry lanterns decorated with artificial cherry blossoms through the grounds. This tradition recalls the legend that cherry trees bloomed when Nichiren died here, even though autumn had already begun.
The grounds open early in the morning and close at dusk, with no admission fee. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as the approach to the main complex involves a long stone staircase.
A monument on the grounds honors sailors from the USS Oneida who died in 1870 when their ship collided near Yokohama. The memorial was erected by the Japanese government and is still maintained today.
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