Abe Monju-in

Abe Monju-in is one of the oldest temples in Japan. It was built during the Taika Reform period in 645 AD by Abe no Kuratamaro, who served as the left minister and was a family temple of the Abe clan. It is also well-known as the birthplace of Abe no Nakamaro, a Japanese envoy to Tang China during the Nara period, and Abe no Seimei, a famous onmyoji (a practitioner of Japanese esoteric cosmology) from the Heian period. The main hall houses the statue of Monju Bosatsu (Manjushri), known for the saying "Gather three people to attain the wisdom of Monju." Standing at an impressive height of about 7 meters, it is the tallest in the country and is said to have been created by the renowned Buddhist sculptor Kakei during the Kamakura period. Alongside the statue of Monju Bosatsu, there are four accompanying attendants in the "Group of Monju Crossing the Sea," all designated as national treasures. Among them, the charming figure of "Zenzai Doji" (the boy attendant with hands clasped) is particularly beloved and has sparked much discussion among statue enthusiasts. Inside the "Kinkaku Floating Hall," which seems to float on the pond, treasures related to onmyoji are housed, including depictions of Abe no Nakamaro and Abe no Seimei. In spring, cherry blossoms and in autumn, cosmos flowers bloom around the temple, enveloping it in a dreamlike atmosphere. The "Nishi Kofun" (Western Tomb) on the premises is a national special historic site built during the Asuka period. It is believed to be the tomb of Abe no Kuratamaro, preserving the original state from its establishment in 645 AD, making it very precious. Its architectural beauty is praised as the finest in Japan. Additionally, the shop sells the famous "Turtle Bread," filled with pumpkin paste, and health-oriented medicinal sake "Papaya Sake," among various gourmet products suitable as souvenirs, offering a rich selection.

An ancient temple built in the year 645 during the Taika Reform period. The main deity is a statue of Monju Bosatsu (National Treasure), approximately 7 meters tall, making it the tallest Buddha statue in Japan, exuding great power. The "Zenzai Dōji" standing next to the Monju Bosatsu statue is very popular among Buddha statue enthusiasts. Within the grounds, there is an ancient tomb that has preserved its state from the year 645 (the first year of Taika).