Aoba Mountain Nakayama Temple

Overview

Aoba Mountain Nakayama Temple is a Shingon sect (Gomyo-ha branch) temple located in Takahama-cho, Fukui Prefecture. Its mountain name is Aoba-yama, and its principal image is Batō Kannon. It's also known as the first temple of the Hokuriku Thirty-three Kannon Pilgrimage sites, the first temple of the Hokuriku Hyakujyu Kannon Pilgrimage sites, and the 33rd temple of the Wakasa Kannon Pilgrimage sites. According to temple tradition, it was founded in 736 AD (Tenpyo 8) by Taicho Daishi at the imperial request of Emperor Shomu, making it a historic temple with a long history of devotion. The temple grounds include a main hall designated as an Important Cultural Property, housing the principal image of Batō Kannon Bosatsu. The main hall, built in the Muromachi period, houses a seated wooden statue of Batō Kannon Bosatsu made of cypress wood planks. This statue is a hidden image, revealed only once every 33 years. Furthermore, the Taita-rou guest hall, built in the Edo period, is also designated as an Important Cultural Property. From Taita-rou, you can enjoy a magnificent view of the mountain range, the Seto Inland Sea, and its islands. This scenery was once praised as the "best scenic spot in the East" by the Joseon communication envoys. In addition, many valuable cultural assets remain within the temple grounds, including wooden standing statues of Kongo Rikishi (A-gyou and Un-gyou), a seated wooden statue of Amitabha Tathagata, and Ryokai-shuji Mandala. Surrounded by nature that changes with the seasons, the temple grounds are perfect for a stroll. Enjoy beautiful scenery such as cherry blossoms in spring and autumn leaves in autumn. Wrapped in tranquil silence, it's the perfect place to refresh your mind and body. Why not spend a relaxing time touching history and nature?