Kikōji Temple

Kikoji Temple in Nara was founded in 721 by the priest Gyoki, who named it Sugawara-dera. Emperor Shōmu visited in 748 and reportedly saw a mysterious light from the main statue, prompting him to rename it Kikoji, meaning temple of joyous light. After centuries of fires and civil war, the temple nearly fell to ruin in the Meiji era. Its revival began in earnest in 1990 under chief priest Yamada Hoin, who used proceeds from sutra-copying sessions to fund repairs. Today, more than 250 lotus plants bloom on the grounds in summer, and hand-copying sessions are held on the second day of each month.