Banna-ji, Buddhist temple in Ashikaga, Japan
Banna-ji is a Buddhist temple in Ashikaga, Japan, counted among the country's important cultural properties and national treasures. The complex spans 40,000 square meters and contains multiple buildings enclosed by earthen walls and a surrounding protective moat system.
The temple originated in 1196 when Ashikaga Yoshikane converted his residence into a Buddhist sanctuary, establishing it as the family temple of the Ashikaga clan. This conversion marked the beginning of a long connection between the temple and the politically influential family.
The main sanctuary showcases early esoteric Buddhist architecture with influences from Chinese designs, representing a fusion of architectural styles in the Kanto region.
Visitors can reach the temple grounds through a ten-minute walk from Ashikaga Station, with free parking available at the Taiheikikan Tourist Center. The grounds remain accessible throughout the year, with the best visiting times being early morning or late afternoon.
A 600-year-old ginkgo tree stands within the temple grounds, accompanied by the Binzuru statue from 1299 that people touch for healing purposes. Visitors traditionally rub specific body parts of the statue to seek relief for corresponding ailments of their own.
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