Manpuku-ji Temple

Welcome to Manpuku-ji, the head temple of the Ōbaku sect of Zen Buddhism, located in the historic tea-producing region of Uji. Established in 1661 by the Chinese monk Ingen Zenji, this temple is a striking anomaly in the…

Our entry begins at the Sōmon, or Total Gate, which utilizes a distinctive 'Pailou' style often seen in China but rare in Japan. On the roof, you will see mythical 'Makara' creatures from Indian mythology, which serve as…

Continuing along the central axis, we reach the Tennō-den, the Hall of the Heavenly Kings. In most Japanese Zen temples, this role is filled by a different structure, but here it follows the Chinese tradition of having a…

The Dai-ō-hōden is the main hall of Manpuku-ji and is one of the largest teak-wood structures in Japan. The sheer scale of the building is intended to inspire awe. …

Hanging in the corridor near the dining area is one of the most recognizable symbols of Manpuku-ji: the Kaipan. This is a large, wooden drum carved in the shape of a fish. …

One cannot visit Manpuku-ji without discussing Fucha Ryori, the unique Chinese style of Shojin Ryori (vegetarian cuisine) brought to Japan by Ingen Zenji. Unlike the subtle, often monochromatic Japanese style, Fucha Ryori is…

Behind the main halls lies the Zendō, or Zen Hall, where the monks engage in their daily Zazen. This space is private and strictly off-limits to most visitors, but it is the engine that drives the temple. …

As we walk back through the Sōmon, the dragon of Manpuku-ji remains behind us, a silent sentinel of a vanished dynasty. We have explored the bold symmetry of its Ming architecture, the laughter of Hotei, and the clever artistry…