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2023.9.28
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Saimyoji Temple

Kaohsiung's [Saimyo-ji] is suitable for a place of training with a spiritual atmosphere

It began as a training hall for young monks by Chisen Shonin, a nephew of Kobo Daishi, who is related to Jingoji Temple. As Kukai said, ``The mind and spirit reside in morality. to nullify.
It is also known for its natural scenery that changes with the seasons: cherry blossoms and mountain azaleas in spring, fresh greenery in summer, colored leaves in autumn, and snowscapes in winter. You can enjoy the elegant scenery that you can enjoy both red autumn leaves at the same time.

1.The main hall revived after being rebuilt by the shogun's mother

Saimyoji Temple
Saimyoji Temple

The main hall, which was destroyed in the war, was rebuilt with a donation from Keishoin, the mother of the fifth shogun, Tsunayoshi Tokugawa. It has a flat structure, which is rare for a temple of the Shingon sect, and enshrines the principal image of the temple, the Senju-Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva, Shaka Nyorai, and Aizen Myoo.

2.Seitendo enshrines Kangiten as a hidden Buddha

Saimyoji Temple

The daikon radish on the noren signifies harmony between husband and wife and a happy family, while the Odan symbolizes Kangiten, which bestows financial fortune and prosperous business. In the hall, there is a "Dougae-no-Omamori" that will give you double the amount of money you spent, so don't miss it.

3.A 700-year-old dignified sacred tree

When you enter the front gate, there is a sacred tree about 700 years old on the left in front of the main hall. Koya-maki, which is said to have been hand-planted by Gaho Jisei Shonin when he became independent from Jingo-ji Temple, is treasured. At the foot of this tree, there is a monument inscribed with a tanka poem by Gahou Jisho Shonin, ``As it is in the form of the white dew, and in the autumn leaves, it is a red ball.''

4.Minister of Foreign Affairs representing the boundary between the mundane world and the sanctuary

Saimyoji Temple

After crossing the Shigetsukyo Bridge, which leads to a beautiful approach to the shrine where the contrast between the red of the bridge and the blue of the Japanese maple leaves, and climbing the stone steps, a stone pillar, the Foreign Minister of Great World, stands. It is considered to be a barrier that separates the secular world from the sanctuary, and in the past women were prohibited from entering.

5.Ashoka's Stone Pagoda

Ashoka's Ashoka Stone Pagoda appears when you walk to the left of the reception hall. It was made in imitation of the stone pillar that King Ashoka, who protected Buddhism, built in the sacred place related to Buddha. It is the work of Torakichi Komatsu, a stone sculptor who was active in Fukushima Prefecture during the Meiji period.

Autumn leaves season information

  • Best time to see/Usually early to late November
    Visiting hours/Admission fee: Same as regular visit

Saimyoji Temple

  • Saimyouji
  • 1 Umegahata Makiocho, Ukyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
  • 6 minutes on foot from the bus stop "Makinoo"
  • Tel.075-861-1770
  • No parking
  • http://www.saimyoji.or.jp/

  • [Normal visit]
    Visiting hours/9:00-17:00
    Admission fee: 500 yen for adults, 400 yen for middle and high school students

    PHOTO/Takahiro Takami, Katsuyuki Hatanaka TEXT/Maho Nomura
*Please note that the information contained herein is subject to change without notice.
*Since this site uses automatic translation, the translation may differ from the original Japanese content.

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