History:

is a temple of the Jodo-Shu (Pure Land) Buddhist sect, located in Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture. This temple is exceptionally famous for its beautiful gardens, which have been designated as an Important Cultural Property. Built in 1687, the temple grounds contain the main hall, an inner garden, the Ichi-no-niwa Garden, and the Kura-no-niwa Garden, which features a magnificent pond with small islands, said to depict the western shore of the Pure Land. It is one of the best temple in Japan which you must visit.

Facts:

1.Gokuraku-ji is a Buddhist temple located in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. 2.It was founded in 1812 and is part of the Shingon Buddhist sect. 3.It is known for its large bronze statue of Amida Nyorai, one of the major figures in Japanese Buddhism. 4.The temple is also known for its giant board of wooden tablets, inscribed with wishes from visitors. 5.It is a popular tourist destination, with hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. 6.Gokuraku-ji holds several festivals each year, including the New Year's celebration which features traditional Japanese musical performances. 7.The temple is also home to a number of other cultural attractions, including a tea house where visitors can enjoy a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. 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:

Gokuraku-ji is one of the most popular temples in Japan, and is particularly well-known for its unique and vibrant style of worship. It is a mix of two different religions: Buddhism and Shintoism. The Buddhist element of worship is derived from the Lotus Sutra, which preaches the path to enlightenment. The Shinto element is based on reverence for nature and the local kami (gods). The core of the practice at Gokuraku-ji revolves around chanting a particular scripture, known as the sutra. During the chants, participants move slowly, often in circles, and chant each verse on the sutra in a specific manner. They use a variety of hair offerings, such as red powders, wooden sticks, and paper streamers, which they wave in a symmetrical way. They also repeat certain words throughout the entire chant, such as “namu myōhō rengekyō”, which is translated as “devotion to the Lotus Sutra”. At the end of the chanting ceremony, the participants perform a cleansing ritual with water. They do this to purify the kami’s energy and offer the kami an energy of love and gratitude. This is done in the hope that the kami will grant them auspicious blessings. The worship at Gokuraku-ji is not just limited to chanting and cleansing rituals. They also offer services and activities such as meditation, music, and calligraphy. These activities all aim to further reach the experience of enlightenment and positivity. This most visited temple in Japan

Opening Timing:

Gokuraku-ji is open every day from 7:30 am to 5:00 pm. top temples in Japan

How to reach:

Gokuraku-ji is located in the suburb of Kizugawadai in Shiga Prefecture, Japan. Visitors can reach the temple from nearby cities such as Kyoto or Osaka by taking a train or a bus. From Tokyo, visitors can reach the area by taking a Shinkansen to Maibara Station, then transferring to a local train to the Kizugawa-koen Station (takes around 2.5 hours). From Kyoto or Osaka, visitors can take a train to Kizugawa-koen Station (takes around 1 hour). From the Kizugawa-koen Station, it is a 15-minute walk to Gokuraku-ji. famous temples in Japan