Zenkō-ji

03.08.2018
Markus
JapanPlaces
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Zenkō-ji (Japanese 善光寺), also Shinshū Zenkō-ji (信州善光寺), is a temple in the Japanese city of Nagano.

The temple was built in the 7th century, even before Buddhism in Japan divided into different sects, and later the town of Nagano was formed around it. Today it belongs to the Tendai and Jōdoshū schools of Buddhism.

Zenko-ji Temple in Nagano, Japan.

Zenko-ji Temple entrance in Nagano, Japan, with stone lanterns and hanging paper lanterns.

Six Rokujizo statues in Nagano, Japan.

The Zenkō-ji compound consists of several buildings, gates and landscaped areas.

Zenko-ji Temple in Nagano, Japan.

Two people facing a large incense burner with a komainu statue at Zenko-ji Temple in Nagano, Japan.

Wooden display with numerous small, dark-framed plaques containing gold lettering, flanking a larger central plaque with gold kanji characters.

Ema and prayer strips tied to a rope at Zenko-ji Temple.

Row of white Daruma dolls with gold and black detailing at Zenko-ji Temple.

Close-up of numerous ema (wooden plaques) hanging at Zenko-ji Temple, featuring various designs and prayers written in Japanese.

Stone lanterns in a Japanese garden during autumn.

Stone lanterns line a path in a Japanese garden, with autumn foliage in the background.

Stone monument in Zenko-ji temple cemetery.

Smoke-shrouded komainu statue in front of Zenko-ji Temple.

Japanese temple tree with autumn leaves and prayer strips.

Autumn leaves on a tree branch with small strips of paper containing writing tied to it.

Many woven straw sandals hang from wooden posts in front of a dark, wire-mesh background.

Niomon Gate in Nagano, Japan, with people passing through.

Low angle view of a traditional Japanese temple roof with ornate details, partially obscured by vibrant red autumn leaves.

Zenko-ji Temple in Nagano, Japan reflected in still water.

Low-angle view of Zenko-ji Temple's wooden main hall in Nagano, Japan.

Stone lantern in autumnal garden.

Path through Zenko-ji Temple garden in autumn, stone lanterns and colorful trees.

Two stone lanterns in a Zenko-ji garden with red foliage.

Three-story pagoda in Nagano, Japan.

Couple in traditional Japanese wedding attire at Zenko-ji Temple in Nagano, Japan.