Kinpusenji Temple
Map
Kinpusenji, in Yoshinoyama, Nara Prefecture, is the head temple of the Kinpusen Shugen sect and is known as a sacred site of Shugendo. It is a component of the UNESCO World Heritage site 'Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range.' The three standing statues of Zao Gongen, the principal image, are among Japan's largest hidden Buddhist images, and many worshippers come when they are specially unveiled.
Temple Info
- Sect
- Grand head temple of Kinpusen Shugen Honshu
- Principal Image
- Three standing Zao Gongen statues (hidden images, not normally on public view; National Treasures)
- Founded
- Second half of the 7th century (said to have been founded by En no Gyoja)
History & Origins
It is said to have been founded by En no Gyoja in the second half of the 7th century and developed as the fundamental training ground of Shugendo. In the Heian period, pilgrimages to 'Yoshino and Kinpusen' flourished, and many nobles, including Emperors Uda, Daigo and Go-Daigo, visited. Yoshino is also a place of history, having served as the base of the Southern Court in the Nanboku-cho period.
Highlights
The Zao-do (National Treasure) is a wooden building about 34 m tall, one of the largest wooden structures in Japan. The three standing statues of Zao Gongen (National Treasures), the principal images, include a central statue about 7 m tall; they are normally hidden Buddhas not open to the public, but can be worshipped during special unveilings. The bronze torii gate and the Niomon gate (National Treasure) are also must-sees.
Visitor Guide
Take the ropeway from Yoshino Station on the Kintetsu Yoshino Line to Yoshinoyama Station, then walk about 10 minutes. Please check the official website for details of hours and fees. It is very crowded in the spring cherry blossom season. Allow roughly 1-2 hours.
Best Season
From early to mid-April, the cherry blossoms of Mt. Yoshino are in full bloom, and the way they open in stages across Shimo-Senbon, Naka-Senbon, Kami-Senbon and Oku-Senbon is spectacular. The 'Rengee and Frog-Jumping Ritual' on July 7 is also known as a unique Shugendo event.
Annual Events
- February
Setsubunae and Onibi no Saiten (Setsubun Service and Demon-Fire Festival)
A distinctive Setsubun service typical of a Shugendo temple, held on February 3, in which yamabushi mountain ascetics scatter beans while chanting "Fortune in, demons in too."
- April
Hanaku Senbo-e (Flower Offering Repentance Service)
A Buddhist service of flower offerings in the mountain ascetic tradition, held April 11–12, together with a daimyo procession.
- July
Rengee and Kaerutobi Gyoji (Lotus Service and Frog-Jumping Rite)
A distinctive Shugendo event held on July 7. It is known for a ritual in which a person dressed as a frog receives the Buddha's salvation.
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