⛩️ Senkoji Temple尾道 大宝山 千光寺

Chikō-ji Temple, built in 806, is a millennium-old temple located on the slopes of Chikō-ji Mountain. The main hall, also known as "Akidō" (赤堂), is a striking vermilion color. The bright red main hall contrasts beautifully with the blue sky, azure sea, and green trees, creating a mesmerizing and picturesque scene. The temple's omamori (御守), or protective charms, are quite famous, with various types sold within the temple that pray for safe travels, family safety, academic success, and happy marriages being particularly popular. One of the charms of Chikō-ji Temple is that it is filled with stunning spots accompanied by mysterious legends. For example, there is a large rock known as "Tama no Iwa" (玉の岩), which is said to have once held a sparkling jewel on top; there is "Kagami Iwa" (鏡岩), named for its ability to reflect the brilliance of jewels and the light of the sun and moon; the "Bell Tower," famous for its "Time Bell" on New Year's Eve; and the "Thirty-three Kannon Hall," which houses thirty-three authentic Kannon statues of the Western Kannon spiritual site, where it is said that visiting can yield the same merits as pilgrimage to the original spiritual site. After visiting, one can experience the "Ishizuchi-san Lock Training" on the mountain once used for ascetic practices, where participants can try climbing while pulling on chains. After listening carefully to the instructions, anyone can join for just 100 yen. It offers a sense of spiritual training and the thrill of adventure. Once at the summit, one can enjoy the expansive views that unfold before them. Additionally, there is a giant rock within the temple grounds that produces a drum sound when struck, known as "Tsuzumi Iwa" (鼓岩), which is the second largest boulder at Chikō-ji Temple and looks quite spectacular.

The ancient temple located on the hillside of Chikōji Mountain is filled with many mysterious and beautiful legends. Visitors can enjoy the charming scenery of the red main hall against the backdrop of the blue sky, azure sea, and green trees. While sincerely praying, one can turn the "KACHI KACHI" prayer beads of the "Sanju San Kannon-dō," which emit a sound. According to legend, the sound of the beads helps to eliminate worries. At the former training ground, "Ishizuchi Mountain," one can experience the practice of climbing with chains known as Ishizuchi-san lock training.