Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple

Seattle Betsuin Buddhist Temple made of brick looks more like a school at first glance. But then you notice the curling roof corners and ornate doors. The interior is dark, elegant and calm. The church hosts a Buddhist festival, Bon Odori, every July, often around the same time as the International District's celebration of Japanese heritage. The peaceful park across the street has an enormous temple bell sheltered under a canopy and a larger-than-life-size statue of the founder of Jodo Shinsu Buddhism. Worship services are held every Sunday in English and Japanese at 10a, followed by meditation. Be well. Zen.