🗺️ Shaolin Mountain Damo Temple

A Zen (Obaku) temple located near the Usui River. This sect inherits the teachings of the founder of Chinese Zen, Master Damo, and is famous as the origin temple of the Kōun Daruma. The eyebrows of the Kōun Daruma resemble two cranes facing each other, and the beard on both cheeks resembles a turtle, commonly referred to as the "crane-turtle face." Wishes are written on both sides of the face, while the abdomen features the characters for "Fuku-iri" (福入), often used as a lucky charm for blessings. The Daruma Market held annually on January 6-7 always attracts a large number of visitors. There is also a Daruma painting experience where you can create a unique original Daruma figure based on your wishes. The temple houses the Daruma Hall, which displays various Daruma figures from ancient to modern times, as well as the Seishintei, where the world-renowned German architect Bruno Taut once resided. Bruno Taut studied Japanese culture at Seishintei and made significant contributions to promoting Japanese culture both in Japan and abroad; his monument has also become a historic site in Gunma Prefecture. The temple's autumn leaves are also famous, and during the fall season, visitors can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the red leaves contrasting with the red Daruma, making it well worth a visit.

A Zen temple (Obaku sect) famous for the origin of the lucky Daruma. Every year on January 6-7, a Daruma market is held, attracting a large number of visitors. The Daruma Hall showcases various Daruma statues from ancient to modern times, both Eastern and Western. You can participate in a Daruma painting experience and create your own unique Daruma statue. During the autumn foliage season, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of red leaves contrasting with the red Daruma.