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Tanjoji Temple

thomas

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14 Mar 2002
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Tanjoji Temple named one of Japan's 100 best fragrant views

Tanjoji Temple named one of Japan's 100 best fragrant views
By Japan Bureau Chief Michiyo Ishida
A popular Buddhist sect in Japan known as Nichiren is named after its founder who was born in 1222 to a family of fishermen. He was born in what is now Chiba Prefecture's Kominato Village, southeast of Tokyo. Today, Nichiren followers number about 3 million in about 40 countries.
Tanjoji or Nativity Temple, founded 52 years after Nichiren's birth, is located by the sea, and has been designated by Japan's Environment Ministry as one of the country's 100 best fragrant views.
Nichiren's birth is believed to have been celebrated by 3 miracles - spring water gushing up, a lotus flower blooming, and sea bream gathering. He lived in his place of birth until 12, but moved on to study Buddhism.
His philosophy is that individual happiness cannot be achieved without praying for world peace.

The Tanjoji Temple was destroyed twice by earthquakes and tidal waves. Only its gate survived the disasters. The oldest building standing in the compound today is 170 years old.

The chrysanthemum emblem found on the ceilings of the temple is the symbol of the imperial family. The 16-petalled flower was decorated to pray for the recovery of the crown prince who later became Emperor Taisho. Later, the imperial family presented gifts to decorate the temple and also offered the temple a portrait of the Emperor Meiji , Taisho's father - only 2 such portraits exist in Japan.

On its part, the temple built a room to host the imperial family. Another proud moment for the temple was when its main building was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records for furnishing the world's largest roof. The temple, however, is faced with trouble. Compared to last year, visitors have decreased by up to 15%, resulting in a decrease in the offerings. The temple is currently working together with the local community to boost tourism to the area.

=> Channel NewsAsia
 
It is only unfortunate that Nichiren's views were so radical and unbuddhist.

Anyway, here is the map how to get there on the official site

I warn any adventurer that, though it looks close on the map, this will take more than 2 hours from Tokyo because the railway system in this region relies almost entirely on local trains with lots of changes and waiting if you're unlucky (or alternatively take the expensive super-express with reservation that leaves once every hour).
 
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