How to reach Japanese Temple, Darjeeling

Japanese Temple, Darjeeling

japanese temple

Japanese temple is beautiful temple. This temple is also known as Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple. It is a two storied building crafted in Japanese style. It exhibits the traditional architecture of Japanese architecture. We can see the picture of its founder, Fuiji Guruji and model of Buddha inside it. The ardent cliques of this sect chant ‘Nam-Mhoyo-Renge-Kyo’ and reflect the spirit of Buddhism for being enlightened. The Peace Pagoda is within the same compound. It is the most highlighted place of visit when one comes to tour Darjeeling.

 

Location of Japanese Temple

Japanese Temple is located at Jalpahar which is at a distance of around 2.5 kms from Darjeeling Railway Station.

 

Timings to visit Japanese Temple

The temple is kept open for all from 4:30 AM in the morning till 7 PM at night on everyday basis.

 

Entry fee of Japanese Temple

No charges are levied for entering the temple. All visitors are allowed to enter for free.

japanese temple

 

Prayer timings of Japanese Temple

Morning - 4:30 AM to 6 AM

Evening - 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM

 

Tourists are welcomed to witness the prayers offered by the monks in the temple if they happen to visit during that time. Serenity flows in the entire atmosphere at this time.

 

History of Japanese Temple

This shrine was built in 1972. It was founded by Nichidatsu Fujii, a Budhhist monk who was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi. He had closely witnessed the war disaster of Hirosima and Nagasaki in Japan. He dedicated his life to build peace pagodas all over the world in order to spread the positivity of peace to all irrespective of any caste, creed, gender or religion. The monks of this place carry forward the same message of the founder as they humbly welcome all the visitors with grace.

 

japanese temple

Best Time to Visit Japanese Temple

The peak season ranges from April to June and then October to December every year. January to March can also be as enjoyable due to the chilled weather and warmth of the spiritual environment makes us feel more placid. Monsoon should be definitely avoided due to the heavy downpour.

 

Time required to exploreJapanese Temple

30 minutes to 1 hour is sufficient to take a round and enjoy in Japanese Temple. More than an hour can be well spent if one wants to meditate and get immersed into devotion and prayer.

 

Why is Japanese Temple famous?

It is very famous due to its richness in Japanese architecture. It is very popular amongst the nature lovers as this place is calm and people are cordial. When we visit here we find peace all around.

 

How to reach Japanese Temple?

Flight – Bagdogra is the nearest airport which is 90 kms away. This airport is well connected with the major cities. A shared cab or rented taxi can be an option to choose for a wonderful road trip to reach the main town of Darjeeling.

 

Train – There are two prominent stations at the distance of 88 km from Darjeeling Railway station in New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri. These stations have direct railway connections with Kolkata, Guwahati, Delhi and other prime cities of the country. There is a toy train service from NJP to Darjeeling Railways Station but it takes a long time of 6-7 hours to reach the final destination. Hence, maximum tourists prefer to take the vehicle ride that takes 2.5-3 hours to reach Darjeeling.

 

Road –One can hire a cab or shared taxi from Siliguri junction or Darjeeling More to reach Darjeeling via road. Buses are available from Tenzin Norgay Bus Stand, Siliguri as well. Covering a distance of 77 kms from Siliguri one can enjoy the foothill national highway till the hill.

 

From Darjeeling main town the distance is only about 20 mins in vehicle till Tenzin Rock.

 

japanese temple

What to do in Japanese Temple?

One can visit the photo gallery which provides the information of Peace Pagodas situated in all over the world. Following the wooden stairs, there is the prayer room on the first floor. This prayer room of the temple is filled with tranquility and wisdom. Hand held drums are beautifully placed in the prayer hall and during the prayer time the visitors can be a part of the aesthetic moment. The rumbling sound of these drums fills the atmosphere with divine wavelengths. Moments spent in this prayer hall gets imbibed with the soul and partner with whom you visit. One can use the small drums and participate in the prayer that is offered during the prayer time.

The shoes must be removed outside and kept in the shoe rack provided nearby before entering the temple. We get a lot of knowledge about the worldwide pagodas along with their photos and year of its construction. The garden beside the temple is maintained well with bushes and flowering plants. If we visit during the spring time then we can observe the colorful garden and click many photographs here.

 

How far is Japanese Temple from the main market?

Japanese temple if just 10 minutes away from the centre of Darjeeling.

 

A must visit shrine

We should always remember that this temple should not be treated only as a tourist destination but should be valued more as a place of worship. It is a sacred site and one must visit this temple with pure thoughts and respect for all.