History:

is a Zen Buddhist temple of the Rinzai school located in Higashimurayama, Tokyo, Japan. It was founded in 1245 by the monk Hōin Myōsai. The temple served as an abbot training center and was a favorite of the Tokugawa shoguns. The primary deity at Shōfuku-ji is Jizō Bosatsu. The temple consists of two main halls, the hondō (main hall) and the honzon-dō (main hall dedicated to the primary deity). There is also a Sodo (Priest's Quarters), an Oku-no-in (inner sanctuary), and other structures associated with the temple. It is one of the best temple in Japan which you must visit.

Facts:

1. Shōfuku-ji is a Rinzai Zen Buddhist temple located in Higashimurayama city, Tokyo, Japan. 2. It is one of the significant 33 temples of the Kenchōji school, which is one of the five branches of Rinzai Zen. 3. Shofuku-ji was founded in 1596 by the Zen master Ingen, an important Zen priest from China. 4. It is renowned for its beautiful gardens and a unique style of Japanese architecture. 5. The main hall of the temple, the Zendo (meditation hall) which was reconstructed in 1898, houses an extensive collection of Zen artifacts. 6. The temple complex also has a graveyard, a memorial stele and the main structure of the Butsuden (Buddha hall). 7. The temple holds regular sutra chanting (Hokyo), Zen meditation (zazen) and Zen tea ceremonies (cha no yu). 8. It also has an education centre for the practice of Zen Buddhism. 9. The temple has been designated an Important Cultural Property by the Japanese government. Here are some facts about the Japan temple.These facts will help you understand why it is oldest temple list of the best temples in Japan

Worship Method:

The Shōfuku-ji is a Buddhist Zen temple located in Higashimurayama in the western part of Tokyo, Japan. The temple is known to be one of the largest ancient temples in the greater Tokyo area, and is home to one of the largest Buddhist congregations in the city. The worship method of Shōfuku-ji is similar to other Japanese temples and incorporates both elements of Shinto and Buddhist traditions. Upon entering the temple, visitors are asked to bow before the large wooden altar and say a prayer. After this, one can proceed into the temple hall and perform a ritual known as the kyōgen, which involves kneeling, bowing and reciting a sutra from memory. During regular services, priests will lead the congregation in chanting sutras, as well as reciting scriptures from the Buddhist tradition. The temple is also known for its active meditation and chanting practice, which involves sitting in a cross-legged or lotus position and chanting a variety of mantras. Visitors to the temple can join in the chanting, but it is not required. At the end of the service, worshippers are invited to offer incense tokens which are believed to be gathered by non-corporeal beings and are said to bring one good fortune. This most visited temple in Japan

Opening Timing:

Shōfuku-ji in Higashimurayama is open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. top temples in Japan

How to reach:

Shōfuku-ji in Higashimurayama can be accessed easily by public transportation. The closest station is Higashimurayama Station on the JR Nambu Line. From there, it takes about a 15-minute walk to Shōfuku-ji. Alternatively, one can take a bus from the Higashimurayama Station bus stop to Shōfuku-ji bus stop, which should take around three minutes. famous temples in Japan