⛩️ Kōan-ji (Kōan Temple)

Kōan-ji is a temple rebuilt by Ashikaga Takauji on the foundation of an existing temple. Ashikaga Takauji was a shogun active in the 14th century, and he constructed temples called "Ankoku-ji" throughout Japan to pray for national peace and stability. The Ankoku-ji in Musashi Province at that time is this Kōan-ji. Musashi Province was an administrative region in Japan that included parts of present-day Tokyo, Saitama, and Kanagawa. The wooden sanmon (mountain gate) built in 1872 consists of two levels and has a solemn and majestic appearance. On either side of the gate stand imposing Kongō statues. Passing through the cemetery within the grounds, you will find the "Hideyoshi Inari Daimyōjin." This small shrine was built to honor the 10th-century warrior "Fujiwara no Hideyoshi." Further ahead, you can see the ruins of an old well known as "Benkei's Inkstone Well." According to legend, the incredibly strong monk "Benkei" used the water from this well to grind ink when copying scriptures.

The legendary old well is located within the grounds of Gao'an Temple. The solemn and majestic mountain gate is a popular photo spot. The temple was rebuilt by the shogun active in the 14th century.