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A person holding an umbrella walks by a carved wall.

(Joseph Ditzler/Stars and Stripes)

Kawagoe, Japan, May 18, 2019: A visitor moves through a garden of 540 stone statues of Buddha’s disciples at the Kitain temple in Kawagoe, Japan. The statues all date from the Edo period (1603 - 1867) and were commissioned from various artists.

The temple is over 1,200 years old and still holds great significance for the faithful. Jie Daishi, one of the head priests enshrined here, was believed to have magical powers to ward off evil. Worshippers visit the temple to pray for protection.

Stationed in Japan and looking for more travel ideas? Check out our Japan Community site!

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