Keisoji Temple

Overview

Keisoji Temple is an ancient temple founded in 735 by the monk Gyoki. As a sacred site for mountain worship, it once boasted a magnificent complex of buildings high on Mount Kodakamiyama. However, a fire in 1933 destroyed the temple buildings. Today, only a few remaining structures at the foot of the mountain and Buddha statues housed in a storage building maintained by local residents remain. In recent years, it has become known for its autumn foliage, attracting many visitors. The approach to the temple gently climbs the mountain, lined with nearly two hundred ancient maple trees. From mid- to late November, the fiery red and gold leaves create a breathtaking spectacle. The moss-covered stone walls and steps evoke a sense of history and the passage of time in the tranquil setting. The principal image of Keisoji Temple is a standing statue of Eleven-faced Kannon, enshrined in the Koka-kaku. The Sedai-kaku houses many important cultural properties, including a standing statue of Yakushi Nyorai and twelve guardian deity statues. These statues were collected from various temples that once stood on Mount Kodakamiyama and are invaluable historical and cultural treasures. Keisoji Temple is a truly sacred place where nature, history, and faith converge. It's a place to find peace and quiet, immerse yourself in natural beauty, touch history and culture, and feel the power of faith.