Uji
Mampuku-ji Temple


Designated Important Cultural Properties
Edo Period
Chinese Style Temple and Vegetarian Diet (Fucha-ryori)

Mampuku-ji Temple is the headquarters temple of the Obaku sect, founded by the Chinese Zen patriarch Ingen (Yin Yuan) in 1661. The Obaku sect is one of the largest Zen sects in Japan. The temple's main statue is the seated figure of Shakanyorai. The arrangement of temple buildings (important cultural assets) follow the Ming Dynasty's architectural style, representing an image of a dragon.
The temple features the design of Chinese Zen temples such as fylfot pattern balustrades, providing an exotic atmosphere. Visitors will enjoy several excellent Buddhist images that have realistic facial expressions, carved by the Chinese sculptor Han Do Sei.
The temple is also famous for the Chinese-style vegetarian diet called fucha-ryori which is popular for its gorgeous appearance and wholesomeness. The treasure house in the compound contains approx.
60,000 printing blocks for a complete collection of the Buddhist scriptures which were completed in 1678. The production of the printing blocks was funded by donations collected throughout the country for many years. These blocks are still used for printing.

Tourist Information

Source: The Uji municipal government

Historic Cultural Resources Map
Return to Uji City
Return to Kansai Digital Archives Index Page
 The homepage Kansai Digital Archives is managed by KIIS(Kansai Institute of Information Systems)
Copyright(c) 1996 KIIS