An'yō-in, Buddhist temple in Kobe, Japan
An'yō-in is a Buddhist temple in Nishi-ku, Kobe, featuring a main hall called the Jodo-do that houses three large Buddha statues sculpted by Kaikei. The temple also includes two sub-temples and offers parking facilities for visitors.
The temple was founded in the early Kamakura period by priest Chogen Shonin as one of seven structures built to support the reconstruction of Todai-ji Temple. This historical connection made the site an important hub in the Buddhist world of that era.
The Jodo-do Hall contains both Buddha statues and standing samurai figures side by side, showing how Buddhist temples served as community gathering places for different social groups. This mix of religious and secular sculptures reflects the temple's role in local life beyond just spiritual practice.
The temple operates with seasonal hours, so check the exact times before your visit. The two sub-temples Kankiin and Hojiin have separate contact information if you want to visit them as well.
Once a year around the summer solstice, sunlight streams through the lattice doors of the Jodo-do Hall between 4:00 PM and 4:30 PM, creating a special lighting effect. Many visitors plan their trip specifically to experience this brief moment of light illuminating the Buddha statues.
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