⛩️ Kinpusen-ji Temple

Kimpusen-ji (金峯山寺) is a symbol of Yoshino Mountain and the head temple of the Shugendo tradition. Shugendo is a religion that has evolved from ancient Japanese nature worship, integrating elements of Buddhism, Taoism, and Onmyōdō. In the late 7th century, it is said that the founder, En no Gyoja, attained enlightenment while practicing asceticism for a thousand days, inspired by the manifestation of Kongōzōō. He then carved the statue of Kongōzōō into a mountain cherry tree and enshrined it at the summit of the mountain and in Yoshino at the foot of the mountain. One of the national treasures of Kimpusen-ji is the main hall, "Kongō-dō," which has a cypress bark roof and is a single-story structure built in the style of a "moya" (main building), reconstructed in 1529. It stands about 34 meters tall, with a four-sided "moya" measuring 36 meters on each side, making it the second-largest wooden building after the Great Buddha Hall of Tōdai-ji. The three statues of Kongōzōō are massive, each approximately 7 meters tall. The "secret Buddha" housed in the largest Buddhist altar in the country can only be viewed during special openings. The "Nio-mon" gate of Kimpusen-ji is recognized as the oldest building among the various halls preserved at Kimpusen-ji and is also a national treasure. Inside the gate is the "Wooden Statues of the Nio Guardians," which are important cultural properties of the nation (currently, the Nio-mon is undergoing disassembly and repairs, scheduled to be completed by 2028). Additionally, Kongō-dō, Nio-mon, and the copper torii gate, which is also an important cultural property, are core assets registered as part of the UNESCO World Heritage site "Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range." Located on the slopes of Yoshino Mountain, Kimpusen-ji offers particularly beautiful spring views from its elevated position. The temple also provides various ascetic training experiences, and those interested are encouraged to inquire with the temple staff.

The head temple of Shugendo. The national treasure Zao Hall, Nio Gate, and the important cultural property of the bronze torii gate are also registered as World Heritage sites. Zao Hall is the second largest wooden structure after the Great Buddha Hall of Todai-ji. In spring, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the thousands of cherry blossoms in Yoshino Mountain. Until 2028, Nio Gate is undergoing dismantling and repairs.