Legend has it that Fujioyama Kannonji Temple was founded in 735 when Emperor Shomu ordered the Buddhist monk Roben to build a hall and enshrined the Eleven-Headed Kannon Bodhisattva to pray for the safe construction of the Great Buddha statue of Todai-ji Temple.
Unfortunately, the temple was burnt down in 1137. In 1208, Jokei, a monk of Kasagidera Temple, moved to the ruins, and built a hermitage for Buddhist practice. The place was renamed Fudarakusan Kaijusenji Temple and revived.
The five-storied pagoda is designated as a National Treasure. The vermilion pagoda, standing 17.7 meters tall, is a precious relic completed in 1214. The temple houses many other treasures. For example, there are many Important Cultural Properties, including the principal image of the Standing Eleven-Headed Kannon Bodhisattva, the Monjudo hall, a Mandala (a sacred geometric design) of the Lotus Sutra painted in color on silk, and documents about the temple.
The temple precincts offer much more to see. The eggplant-shaped bench is believed to fulfill wishes when sitting on it. You can also see a huge Yamamomo (Japanese Bayberry) tree that is one of the “200 Selected Nature Sites of Kyoto.”
Moreover, nestled in the mountains at a height of approximately 200 meters, the temple offers a great view of the Mikanohara area, where the “phantom capital” of Kunikyo was located. On a clear day, you can even see the ruins of Heijo Palace in Nara. The scenery is even more beautiful when viewed with the fall foliage. The temple is also amazing in spring, with cherry blossoms in bloom.
- Tel
- 0774-76-2256
- Address
- 20 Reihei Kaijusen, Kamo-cho, Kizugawa City, Kyoto
- Access
- -From Kamo Station (JR Kansai Line, Yamatoji Line), about 60 min. on foot, or about 10 min. by taxi.
-From Kamo Station (JR Kansai Line, Yamatoji Line), take Kizugawa City Community Bus (weekdays only), get off at Kaijusen-ji Temple, and walk for about 20 minutes. - Business Hours
- 9:00am - 4:30pm
Closed
Open year-round
- Price
- Viewing inside the main hall (including the principal image of the Standing Eleven-Headed Kannon) is 500 yen (including entrance fee to the temple)
The entrance fee is 200 yen (for hiking or strolling in the precincts)
(During a special exhibition period, there is a separate fee)
- Parking
- Available (temple admission fee required)
Large buses cannot enter
