Sōfuku-ji, Buddhist temple in Gifu, Japan.
Sōfuku-ji is a Buddhist temple in Gifu with multiple halls and traditional structures spread across its grounds. The rooms inside feature preserved wooden floorboards and various historical objects that reflect the site's past.
The temple was originally founded during the Kamakura period and underwent major reconstruction in 1511 under Saitō Toshimasa's direction. This rebuilding shaped the appearance you see today at the site.
The temple holds a special connection to the Oda clan, an influential samurai family that shaped the region. You can sense this bond through the preserved spaces and artworks inside that reflect this historical relationship.
The temple forms part of the Mino Thirty-three Kannon pilgrimage route, attracting both pilgrims and visitors seeking to understand local traditions. Expect a quiet, contemplative setting that reflects its role in the community's spiritual life.
A remarkable feature is the ceiling made from wooden floorboards sourced from Gifu Castle, with visible marks from events in 1600. These boards carry traces of a turbulent moment in local history and form an unexpected artistic element within the temple.
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