Fuki-ji
Buddhist temple · Bungotakada ·
8th-century temple in forest, serene nature, amazing history
8th-century temple in forest, serene nature, amazing history
"A historic wooden temple that embodies centuries of Shinto–Buddhist syncretism, once the private sanctuary of the main Shinto priest of the 8th-century Usa shrine. The 900-year-old structure was abandoned and fell into disrepair in the early 20th century before being revived by the current vice abbot’s family after World War II. Now often draped in golden ginkgo leaves, the temple is renowned for its beauty and close ties to the local community, even as visitor numbers have declined and many smaller nearby temples struggle; the resident monks are increasingly having to think creatively about preservation and outreach." - Stephanie Zubiri
"A 900-year-old historic temple on Japan’s Kunisaki Peninsula, its grounds are often carpeted in golden ginkgo leaves and surrounded by moss-covered stupas. Once abandoned and long-neglected in the early 20th century, it was lovingly restored after World War II by the vice abbot’s grandfather; today his grandson serves as a third-generation monk devoted to spirituality and the site’s preservation. A portrait taken at dusk—with warm late-afternoon light casting amber tones across the leaf-strewn ground and long shadows on the wooden building—captures a feeling of serenity, sacrifice, strength and stoicism that reflects both the place’s battered past and its quiet, dignified revival." - Nick Measures
Ahan T.
Jay L.
Yuta A.
K S
hasumi N.
Victoria V.
Cary H.
大野祥子