The great Buddhism Chion-in Temple

The great Buddhism Chion-in Temple was built in 1234 CE to credit the founder of Jodo (Pure Land) Buddhism, a priest named Honen, who fasted to death in the very spot. At one point in time, the complex had 21 buildings but due to earthquakes and fire, the oldest existing building is from the 17th century.

So, many country peoples coming to visit the Chion-in Temple must first pass through the biggest gate in Japan the two-story San-mon Gate. The temple bell is also a proof setter it weighs 74 tons and needs 17 monks to ring it during the New Year carousing.

Another motivating feature of the Chion-in Temple is the "singing" floor of the huge Assembly Hall. Called a uguisu-bari or nightingale floor, the shining wooden planks were designed to creak at each footstep to alert the monks of intruders!