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Obaku-san Manpuku-ji Temple

The head temple of Zen Buddhism, keeping the rich heritage passed down from Chinese culture.

Last update :
Head Editor : Manpuku-ji Temple

Manpuku-ji is the head temple associated with the Obaku Zen sect, one of three major Zen sects in Japan. The temple was founded in 1661 by the Chinese high monk Ingen Zenji, still offering a glimpse into the tapestry of Chinese culture of the day including architecture, ceremonial customs and authentic cuisine.

Step onto the grounds to find buildings laid out symmetrically around the main Daiyu Treasure Hall, embellished with architectural styles and designs popular in China towards the end of the Ming Dynasty when Ingen Zenji came to Japan. Many of these historically significant buildings mark 360 years of history and stand today as designated Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The teak construction, a material native to South and Southeast Asia, gives the temple an atmosphere distinct from typical Japanese temple architecture.

The temple's popular Chinese-style vegetarian cuisine, "Fucha Ryori" (reservation required), offers a unique dining experience served family style over large plates and a menu that includes many fried items, differing from traditional Japanese vegetarian cuisine. For individual visitors, bento boxes styled after Shokado bento are also available.

Highlights

  • Head temple of the Obaku Zen sect, one of the three major Zen sects in Japan.
  • Temple is notable for its Chinese-style architecture, a distinct contrast to typical Japanese temples.
  • Many buildings including the main Daiyu Treasure Hall are designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan.
  • Delight in Chinese-style vegetarian cuisine known as "Fucha Ryori" (reservation required).

Photos

  • The main hall, Daiyu Treasure Hall, is a designated Important Cultural Property of Japan.

    The main hall, Daiyu Treasure Hall, is a designated Important Cultural Property of Japan.

  • The Maitreya seated statue in the Tenno-den, affectionately known as "Hotei-sama."

    The Maitreya seated statue in the Tenno-den, affectionately known as "Hotei-sama."

  • Fucha Ryori, a type of Chinese vegetarian cuisine, can be enjoyed on the temple grounds.

    Fucha Ryori, a type of Chinese vegetarian cuisine, can be enjoyed on the temple grounds.

  • The Kaipan and Unpan are sounded during rituals and meal times.

    The Kaipan and Unpan are sounded during rituals and meal times.

  • The main object of worship in the main hall is the seated statue of Shakyamuni Buddha.

    The main object of worship in the main hall is the seated statue of Shakyamuni Buddha.

  • Zen experiences such as Zazen meditation and sutra copying are offered (Zazen requires a group of five or more).

    Zen experiences such as Zazen meditation and sutra copying are offered (Zazen requires a group of five or more).

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have pamphlets in other languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)
A

English pamphlets available.

Q

Do you have temple’s red ink stamps?
A

Yes.

Q

Is parking available?
A

Yes.

Q

Are coin lockers available?
A

Available.

Reviews

Details

Name in Japanese
黄檗山萬福寺
Postal Code
611-0011
Address
34 Sanbanwari, Gokasho, Uji City, Kyoto
Telephone
0774-32-3900
Closed
Open every day
Business Hours
9:00am - 5:00pm (Admission allowed until 4:30pm)
Admission
High school and university students, adults 500 yen; elementary and junior high school students 300 yen.
Access
A 5-minute walk from both JR Nara Line Obaku Station and Keihan Uji Line Obaku Station.
Credit Cards
Accepted (only for settling the bill for Fucha Ryori meals)
Official Website
Official Website (English)

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