Ankoku-ji, Buddhist temple in Fukuyama, Japan
Ankoku-ji is a Zen Buddhist temple in Fukuyama with traditional wooden structures and carefully designed gardens that blend with the surrounding landscape. The complex consists of several interconnected buildings arranged around courtyards, featuring classic Japanese architectural design.
The temple was established in 1273 by a Zen master as a center for Rinzai school teachings during the Kamakura period. It has remained an important cultural and religious site, surviving centuries of change to become a protected monument.
The temple serves as a working center for Zen Buddhist practice, where visitors can observe monks and practitioners engaged in daily routines and meditation. The layout and design of the grounds encourage visitors to move slowly and mindfully through the space.
The temple is accessible by local bus service from Fukuyama Station, with regular departures throughout daylight hours. It is best to visit early in the morning when the grounds are quieter and you can explore at a comfortable pace.
The main hall contains a rare Seated Buddha sculpture from the Kamakura period that is designated as a national treasure. This artwork is well known to art historians but often overlooked by general visitors who focus mainly on the buildings themselves.
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