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Japanese Buddhist Temple, Darjeeling: A Sanctuary of Peace

Find serenity at Darjeeling's Japanese Temple: a peaceful sanctuary with stunning views and rich Buddhist traditions.

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The Japanese Buddhist Temple, also known as Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple, is a serene and culturally significant site in Darjeeling. Founded in 1972 by the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Order, it promotes peace and harmony through traditional Japanese architecture and daily prayers.

A brief summary to Japanese Buddhist Temple, Darjeeling

  • 27H5+9R2, Darjeeling, Rajbari, West Bengal, 734102, IN
  • Monday 4:30 am-7 pm
  • Tuesday 4:30 am-7 pm
  • Wednesday 4:30 am-7 pm
  • Thursday 4:30 am-7 pm
  • Friday 4:30 am-7 pm
  • Saturday 4:30 am-7 pm
  • Sunday 4:30 am-7 pm

Local tips

  • Participate in the daily prayer sessions for a deeply moving experience. The chanting and drumming create a powerful atmosphere of peace.
  • Visit early in the morning to experience the temple's holiness and enjoy the panoramic views of Kanchenjunga without the crowds.
  • Dress modestly to respect the temple's religious significance. Avoid wearing shorts, sleeveless tops, or revealing clothing.
  • Take a walk around the Peace Pagoda to admire the sandstone carvings depicting the life of Buddha.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to the nearby Peace Pagoda for a comprehensive spiritual experience and stunning views.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Darjeeling's Chowk Bazaar, the Japanese Buddhist Temple is approximately a 30-minute walk. Head east on Gandhi Road, then turn left onto AJC Bose Road. Continue along AJC Bose Road, passing the Institute of Astroparticle Physics and Space Science. The temple will be on your left, atop Jalapahar Hill. This route involves a gentle uphill walk.

  • Public Transport

    Shared taxis and jeeps are available from Chowk Bazaar to the Japanese Temple. These typically cost around Rs. 50 per person, but can be crowded. The journey takes approximately 15-20 minutes, depending on traffic. From the drop-off point, there is a short uphill walk to the temple entrance.

  • Taxi

    Taxis can be hired from Darjeeling town to the Japanese Temple. A round trip taxi fare for a short sightseeing tour including the Japanese Temple, Peace Pagoda, and other nearby attractions typically costs around Rs. 1400 for a 4-person car. The journey takes about 10 minutes from the town center. Parking is available near the temple.

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Discover more about Japanese Buddhist Temple, Darjeeling

Nestled on Jalapahar Hill, a short drive from Darjeeling town, the Japanese Buddhist Temple, or Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Temple, offers a tranquil escape. Established in 1972 by the Nipponzan Myohoji Buddhist Order, the temple embodies a blend of Japanese and Tibetan architectural styles. The temple's primary aim was to foster good relations between Japan and India and to honor the memory of Jesus Christ and Gautama Buddha. The temple's architecture features a classic Japanese pagoda with a gracefully curved roof and ornate wooden carvings. Two concrete lion statues flank the staircase, adding to its grandeur. Inside, the walls are adorned with polished golden carvings of the four avatars of Buddha, each depicting different stages of Buddha's life. The temple serves as a place for meditation and chanting, with practitioners and visitors joining in the prayer "Nam Myoho Renge Kyo," believed to bring peace. Adjacent to the temple is the Peace Pagoda, inaugurated in 1992. This towering white structure, designed by M. Ohka, stands 28.5 meters tall and has a diameter of 23 meters, making it the tallest free-standing structure in Darjeeling. The Peace Pagoda houses four gold-polished statues of Buddha and eight sandstone carvings depicting stories from Buddha's life. The temple and pagoda complex offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the Kanchenjunga range, enhancing the sense of peace and serenity. Visitors can participate in daily prayers, experiencing the divine peace and cultural richness of this unique spiritual center.

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