Place of worship • 998 Setodachō Fukuda, Onomichi, Hiroshima 722-2405, Japan
The approach to Kofukuji Temple is the entrance to a sanctuary that has continued since ancient times. The vermilion torii gates stand gracefully, as if inviting people into a world beyond time and space. The sound of swaying bells in the wind soothes the heart and gently guides each step towards a journey of prayers.
Stepping into the temple hall on the mountain ridge, visitors are greeted by the compassionate expression of the Buddha. The delicate carvings speak of the transcendent skill of craftsmen across time. As the morning sun shines in, the Buddhist statues seem to drift in the sea of the mind, surely giving visitors a sense of peace.
Walking through the precincts, one may encounter monks in meditation, ancient stone structures, or perhaps have an encounter of a lifetime with the loving animals of the mountains and fields. In these fleeting encounters, there may be an unexpected experience that makes one feel the eternal truth.
Descending the approach, one will notice a change in the surrounding air. A new vitality resides in the borrowed scenery, and the sound of the wind carries a different melody. Travelers who visit Kofukuji Temple will engrave their irreplaceable experiences in their hearts and embark on the way back to the home of their hearts.