Banshoin Temple

• Nagasaki
• Sightseeing
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Serving as the family temple of the Tsushima domain lords, the So clan, and constructed in 1615, Banshoin is a venerable, historic temple. Passing through the mountain gate, the beautiful stone staircase "Hyaku-gangi" with 132 moss-covered steps gently leads deep inside, and its solemn, mystical space purifies bodily clutter with every step, bringing deep serenity and mental quietude. Arriving at the graveyard of the So family at the top of the stairs, you encounter massive stone lanterns and three majestic, overwhelming cedar trees over 1,200 years old, leaving everyone wordless at their life force and the weight of time. Fusing traditional Japanese architectural beauty with the deep prayer energy of a clan that protected this border island, it is one of Nagasaki's premier, highly powerful spiritual spots.