⛩️ Obaku-san Manpuku-ji (Obaku Mountain Manpuku Temple)

Obaku-san Daibonsan, along with Rinzai and Soto, is one of the three Zen sects in Japan. Founded in the first year of the Kanbun era (1661) by the Chinese monk Ingen, the temple's architecture, rituals, and cuisine showcase the profound and extensive Chinese culture of that time. The main hall, Daiohōden, is the central axis of the temple, with buildings symmetrically positioned on either side. This design incorporates the architectural style and aesthetics popular in late Ming Dynasty China when Ingen arrived in Japan. With a history spanning 360 years, many parts of the buildings have been designated as important cultural properties of the nation. The materials used include teak wood sourced from South and Southeast Asia, creating an atmosphere distinctly different from typical Japanese temple architecture. The temple also offers a popular Chinese vegetarian cuisine known as "Pucha Ryori" (普茶料理), which requires a reservation. The dishes are served on large platters for guests to help themselves, featuring a variety of fried items, making it quite different from traditional Japanese vegetarian cuisine and definitely worth trying. Additionally, bento boxes styled after the Matsukado (松花堂) are available for individual visitors.

The three major Zen sects of Japan, the head temple of the Ōbaku sect. The distinctly Chinese architectural style is impressive and stands in stark contrast to typical Japanese temples. The main hall, Daiohōden, and numerous other buildings are designated as important cultural properties of the nation. You can also enjoy Chinese-style vegetarian cuisine known as "Pucha Ryori" (reservation required).