⛩️ Women Takano Muro-ji Temple

Muro-ji Temple is surrounded by mountains in the clear-flowing land of Muro. It is said to have been a sacred place for the worship of water deities and dragon gods since ancient times. Built in the late Nara period by the monk Ryo Kenkei from Kofuku-ji Temple, it was established to pray for the healing of the illness of the Crown Prince (later Emperor Kanmu). Unlike Mount Koya, which prohibits the entry of women, Muro-ji Temple, also part of the Shingon sect, allows female visitors and has been known as "Women's Koya" since the Kamakura period. Although it once declined, it later flourished again during the Edo period thanks to donations from "Keishoin," the mother of the fifth shogun, Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, becoming widely recognized as "Women's Koya" and gaining the faith of the public. One of the features of Muro-ji Temple is its unique Buddhist culture. For example, there are statues with intricately carved clothing patterns, and several statues representing the early Heian period have been designated as national treasures and important cultural properties, exuding a mysterious beauty that harmonizes with the surrounding nature. The "Treasure Hall," which houses the statues and other treasures, officially opened in 2020. Within the grounds of Muro-ji Temple stands the "Five-Story Pagoda," about 16 meters tall, which is the smallest outdoor pagoda in Japan. Built in the late Nara period, it is the oldest historical structure in the area and has also been designated as a national treasure. Its upright posture and charm are quite beloved. From mid-April to early May, around 3,000 azaleas bloom along the stone steps, enhancing the beauty of the Five-Story Pagoda. Climbing the continuous 700 stone steps from the pagoda leads to the "Okunoin." On the 21st of each month, the "Mikaido," where Kobo Daishi is enshrined, opens for worship, allowing visitors to pay their respects to the statue amidst the embrace of nature.

Since the Kamakura period, it has been a temple known as "Nyonin Koya" that has deeply gained the faith of women. It has formed a unique Buddhist art style, allowing appreciation of beautiful Buddha statues in harmony with nature. The smallest "five-story pagoda" in Japan is highly cherished for its elegant aesthetics. It is a famous spot for viewing azaleas, with around 3,000 azalea plants surrounding the entire temple from mid-April to early May.