Ashiura Kannon Temple in the city of Kusatsu, Shiga Prefecture, was full of visitors on Nov. 23, when it opened to the public for the first time this year.
Inside, a sign was displayed soliciting donations for repairs to the roof, which has deteriorated from years of exposure to the weather.
The centuries-old temple, designated nationally as an Important Cultural Property, is in need of restoration ¡ª the roofs of Amidado Hall and the Shoin Building in particular ¡ª prompting local volunteers to launch a crowdfunding campaign.
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