YUGYO JI TEMPLE – SHOJOKO JI – FUJISAWA

When you see my photos from this temple, I believe you will understand why I simply loved visiting it, despite of the fact that Fujisawa is not a place commonly visited by tourists.

Yugyo ji is Grand Head Temple of Ji-shú sect. “Ji-shú” literally means “time sect”.  Belonging to Pure Land Buddhism,  this sect was founded by Ippen  (1234-1289).  Ippen was a a shónin, meaning holy priest, saint. This is why people worship him.  The  worshipped statue of Ippen is close to the Main Hall.  He is depicted how he was going from place to place to proselytize his faith.   This temple  is dedicated to him and the official name of the temple is a bit complicated:  Muryoukouin – Shoujoukou-ji.  It was founded by Donkai, the Patriarch of Matano clan,  in 1325.

A bit different entrance gate from the gates we have seen until now
Cherry blossom petals are raining from the trees and the view of this romantic approach path, covered with cherry blossom petal carpet leading to the Main Hall, took my breath away
Giant sacred Gingko tree
The Main Hall
The Main Hall interior 

Statue of Ippen – shónin
There is this beautiful flower garden on the temple grounds with s lake and more temple buildings
There are koi carps in the lake, turtles and little duckies