Chōju-ji, Buddhist temple in Yamanouchi, Japan
Chōju-ji is a Buddhist temple situated between the entrance of Kamegayatsu Pass and Kenchō-ji monastery in the Kita-Kamakura district of Kanagawa Prefecture. The grounds contain multiple buildings, a cemetery area, and traditional stone memorial structures including a gorintō and hōkyōintō.
The temple was founded in 1358 by Ashikaga Motouji, though earlier records suggest its establishment by Ashikaga Takauji in 1336. Its existence is closely tied to the Ashikaga family, who played a central role during Japan's feudal period.
The temple houses statues from the Muromachi period and serves as one of two memorial temples dedicated to Ashikaga Takauji. Visitors can see his burial site within a yagura structure and understand the importance this place held for his family.
The site is open to visitors from Friday through Sunday between 10 AM and 3 PM, with only small cameras permitted for photography on the grounds. It is wise to check visiting hours in advance, as the temple may have different times during colder months.
The grounds contain a special hōkyōintō structure that actually preserves strands of Ashikaga Takauji's hair. This rare feature connects visitors directly to a figure from medieval Japan and makes the temple a singular historical destination.
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