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Muroji, in the mountains of Uda City, Nara Prefecture, is the head temple of the Muroji branch of Shingon Buddhism. In contrast to Koyasan, which prohibited women from visiting, it has accepted women worshippers since ancient times and is therefore known as 'Nyonin Koya' (Koyasan for women). It is a tranquil sacred site where many ancient buildings and Buddhist statues, including the National Treasure Kondo and five-storied pagoda, harmonize with the green of the deep mountains.
Temple Info
- Sect
- Shingon, Muroji school
- Principal Image
- Nyoirin Kannon
- Founded
- Hoki era (770-781)
History & Origins
It is said to have been founded in the Hoki era (770-781) at the end of the Nara period. It was originally a branch temple of Kofukuji, but moved to Shingon in 1694 (the 7th year of Genroku) and became independent as the head temple of the Muroji branch in 1964 (Showa 39). Accepting women worshippers since the time when Koyasan was closed to women, it has drawn faith as 'Nyonin Koya.'
Highlights
The National Treasure five-storied pagoda is about 16 m tall, one of the smallest outdoor wooden five-storied pagodas in Japan. Said to have been built in the late Nara to early Heian period, it is one of the oldest wooden pagodas in Japan. The Kondo (National Treasure) enshrines a group of Buddhist statues, and around Golden Week in April-May about 3,000 rhododendron (shakunage) plants bloom on the grounds.
Visitor Guide
About 15 minutes by bus from Murouguchi-Ono Station on the Kintetsu Osaka Line (get off at Muroji-mae). Hours are 8:30-17:00 (9:00-16:00 from December to March). Admission is 600 yen for adults. Allow about 1-1.5 hours. There are many stone steps, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
Best Season
The rhododendron blooming period from late April to early May is the most colorful. The November autumn foliage period also dyes the grounds red and yellow, and combined with the atmosphere of the deep mountains it is exceptionally beautiful.
Annual Events
- April to May
Shakunage Matsuri (Rhododendron Festival)
A festival held to coincide with the blooming of about 3,000 rhododendron plants on the grounds. Pink and white flowers decorate the stone steps and halls, and many worshippers visit.
- November
Autumn Special Opening
A special viewing held during the autumn foliage season. The grounds, surrounded by deep mountains, are brilliantly colored, and visitors can enjoy the harmony with the National Treasure buildings.
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