Sōgen-ji, Buddhist temple ruins in Tomari, Japan
Sōgen-ji is a former Buddhist temple near Tomari with substantial stone structures still standing from its original design. The complex displays foundations, staircases, gates, and memorial stones that reveal the spatial arrangement of this royal religious site.
The site was founded as a royal burial place during the reign of King Shō Shin and functioned as both a temple and mausoleum for the Ryūkyū Kingdom. Over centuries, the complex eventually ceased religious operations and was repurposed as public land.
The site served as a place where people honored deceased rulers through offerings left at stone altars and memorial areas. Visitors today can still see traces of these religious practices at various stone monuments scattered across the grounds.
The grounds are now accessible as a public park with pathways running between the stone structures. Wear comfortable shoes since the terrain has uneven surfaces and steps to navigate.
A striking ritual required that even the king had to walk the temple grounds on foot as a sign of respect for the buried monarchs. This practice highlighted the spiritual importance of the place and showed that all were equal before the deceased rulers.
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