Shōjō-ji, Buddhist temple in Yugawa, Japan.
Description
Shōjō-ji is a temple in Yugawa with multiple buildings, including the Yakushi Hall as the main worship space, an entrance gate, kitchen facilities, and the head priest's residence. The Yakushi Hall features a copper-sheathed roof that replaced the original thatched covering in 1964.
History
Founded in 807 by scholar-monk Tokuitsu, the temple began as a large complex with twelve monk residences and over a hundred sub-temples. Over time, this extensive complex shrank to its present size.
Culture
The temple houses more than thirty Buddhist statues, including a Yakushi Nyorai figure carved from Zelkova wood, which visitors continue to revere today. These artworks show how believers used this place as a spiritual center across the centuries.
Practical
The temple is relatively easy to find, and visitors can explore most areas of the complex without major restrictions. It helps to arrive in early morning hours, when the place is quieter and you can better understand its layout.
Did you know?
The temple preserves five objects designated as National Important Cultural Properties, including Heian-period statues of the Four Heavenly Kings. These rare pieces are often overlooked because visitors typically focus on the more prominent main hall.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (Yugawa).
Aizuwakamatsu Castle
9.9 km
恵隆寺
6.4 km
Houkokuji Aizubetsuin（Aizu-mura）
7.3 km
阿彌陀寺
8.2 km
Ōtsukayama Kofun
8.6 km
Kōan-ji
8 km
Fukushima Museum
10.1 km
Takizawa Honjin
9.7 km
Aizu-Wakamatsu City Library
9.1 km
Aizu Ichibankan
8.9 km心清水八幡神社
6.5 km
Hōyō-ji
9.9 km
Hachiyō-ji
5.6 km
宮古橋
1.2 km
延命寺
6.4 km
Jingamine Castle
6.3 km
Kitakata Kura no Sato
9.8 km
妙法寺
8.8 km
高田橋
10.1 km
Kitakata City Museum of Art
9.8 km
Takeyakannon
6.1 km
切立橋
5.5 km
Katakado Dam
9.5 km
片門橋
9.3 km
Aizu Jibo Dai-Kannon
7.3 km
東大橋 (福島県)
3.6 km
Byakkotai Museum
9.8 km
Kamegamori-Chinjumori Kofun
4.9 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes