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"Zenko-ji," unlike the ornate decorations of ordinary temples, has a rather simple exterior. Although Zenko-ji is not usually open to the public, during the cherry blossom season, the entrance steps of Zenko-ji still offer a view of the cold cherry blossoms and mountain cherry blossoms, complemented by two stone lanterns at the entrance, creating a unique atmosphere. It is another hidden gem for cherry blossom viewing in Beitou. Zenko-ji in Beitou is a temple of the Jodo Sect's Nishizan Fukazawa School, and it was once the religious center of Japanese immigrants. The temple is well known for its Buddhist relic tower, which enshrines the relics of the Buddha Shakyamuni brought back from Japan. Zenko-ji in Beitou originated from the Shinano Zenko-ji in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. It was founded at its current location by the 117th abbot of the Great Vow, the nun Saien, in the 21st year of the Republic of China (the 7th year of the Showa era, 1932 AD), and the first abbot, Nakano Zenno, was appointed. At the beginning of the restoration of Taiwan in the 35th year of the Republic of China, the Dharma lamp of Zenko-ji was passed on to the abbot Kongkong Baizhu, the abbot of the Zhongxing Ruyi. In the 48th year of the Republic of China, the Japanese-style main hall of Zenko-ji was destroyed in the "August 7th Flood," and the new hall was built in the 51st year of the Republic of China. In the same year, in September, the precious tower was carefully built and enshrined, enshrining the relics of the Buddha Shakyamuni, which is the most important feature of this temple. Zenko-ji mainly enshrines the Buddha Shakyamuni. Therefore, the Sakyamuni Hall enshrines the Three Buddhas (the Buddha Shakyamuni, the Buddha of Medicine, and the Buddha Amitabha). The Dharma King Hall enshrines the Buddha Amitabha. Since the temple is usually used for the monks' daily practice and study, it is not open for worship, and is only open during festivals and ceremonies. The most eye-catching feature of Zenko-ji is the Buddha Relic Tower, built in the 51st year of the Republic of China, which is modeled after the Indian Buddhist temple architecture. It has three levels, each named after the Buddha, the Dharma, and the Tower. The uppermost level enshrines the relics of the Buddha Shakyamuni brought back from Japan, while the middle and lower levels are the spiritual towers. The tower is adorned with copper bells around it. Four dragons guard the four directions on the middle level, displaying an impressive presence, and golden lotus flowers are arranged on each corner. In addition, Zenko-ji still preserves many relics of the Japanese, such as the stone statues at the main gate of the Dharma King Hall and 86 stone statues of the Buddha. In addition, there is a "Okamoto Omi Monument" standing in the temple courtyard, which was erected to commemorate the Japanese mineralogist Okamoto Yohachiro, who discovered the radioactive "Hokutolite" (North Hot Stone) in the Beitou River valley near New Beitou in 1905. In 1940, the "Okamoto Omi Monument" was specially built in Beitou, and after many twists and turns, it was finally preserved in Zenko-ji, serving as the best testimony to the history of the Hokutolite. Source: "Beitou in the Style of Japan - Walking Exploration"