Otpo-ji Temple

Overview

Otpo-ji Temple is a temple of the Shingon sect's Chizan school located in Otsu, Tai-nai City, Niigata Prefecture. Legend says it was founded in 736 AD (Tenpyo 8) by order of Emperor Shomu, with the help of two high priests: Gyoki Bosatsu and a Brahman priest. It's known as one of Niigata Prefecture's oldest temples. According to temple lore, the Brahman priest enshrined the left eye of the Buddha near the present-day hexagonal hall, leading to the temple's original name "Otsu-dera." The character "ho" (treasure) was later added, resulting in the current name, "Otpo-ji." Otpo-ji Temple houses many historical structures, including the three-story pagoda, an Important Cultural Property of Japan. This pagoda, built in 1619 (Genna 5) by Murakami Moritada Katsu, showcases the beauty of pure *wa-yo* architecture. The stupa said to contain the Buddha's left eye is kept in the treasure hall. Otpo-ji Temple is rich in captivating stories, including the legend of the writing monkey and the Kobo Daishi legend. The legend of the writing monkey appears in *Kokon Chomon Shu* and tells the story of a monkey that copied sutras. The Kobo Daishi legend recounts that Kukai stopped by during his travels, and when he struck the ground with his *doko-sho* (a ritual vajra), water sprang forth. This water, known as "Dokko-sui," still flows abundantly on the temple grounds. The temple boasts extensive grounds offering beautiful scenery throughout the year. From the cherry blossoms of spring and the lush greenery of summer to the vibrant autumn foliage and the serene winter snowscape, Otpo-ji offers ever-changing beauty that will delight visitors time and again. Otpo-ji Temple is not only a place to experience history and culture, but also a place to refresh both mind and body. Surround yourself in the tranquility of the grounds and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of this ancient temple.