🗺️ Yatadera矢田寺

Located on the eastern side of the Yata Hills, at the foothills of Yata Mountain, the temple is officially named "Kongōsan-ji." It was built in 679 by Prince Ōama, who prayed for victory in the Jinshin War. It is said to be the birthplace of the Japanese Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva, and the oldest Enmei Jizō is enshrined here. The temple's main deity is a standing statue of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva, designated as an Important Cultural Property of the country. In addition to the main hall at the center of the precinct, which is designated as a tangible cultural property of Nara Prefecture, there are many other valuable cultural assets, including the "Yata Jizō Engi" painted on silk. Behind the main hall, there is the "Yata-ji 88 Sacred Sites," where visitors can pay their respects to the main stone Buddha statue representing the 88 sacred sites of Shikoku. In the expansive precinct of approximately 25,000 square meters, about 60 varieties and 10,000 hydrangeas are planted. During the blooming season, the flowers display vibrant colors such as blue, purple, and pink, earning the temple the local nickname "Hydrangea Temple." The blooming period from June to July, even during the rainy season, attracts many visitors, making it a popular destination.

The mountain temple located on the hillside of Yatoyama is best visited in suitable hiking attire. It is the birthplace of the Japanese Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and houses the oldest statue of Ksitigarbha. The temple preserves many precious cultural assets and is a historic site rich in cultural heritage. Also known as "Hydrangea Temple," it offers a view of approximately 10,000 hydrangeas during the rainy season.