Honzan-ji Temple

Overview

Honzan-ji Temple is a Tendai Buddhist temple located in Misaki-cho, Okayama Prefecture. Its mountain name is Iwamayama, and its principal deity is Kannon Bosatsu. According to temple records, it was founded in 701 AD (Taihō 1) by Saeki Ariyori on a mountaintop south of its current location, and was named "Shinzan-ji Temple". Approximately 50 years after its founding, it is said to have been renamed Honzan-ji Temple by the Tang dynasty monk Ganjin. At the end of the Heian period, in 1110 AD (Ten’ei 1), it was relocated to its present site and flourished as a Tendai Mikkyō mountain training ground and a sacred place of popular faith. It is said that there were once 120 monastic buildings. In 1132 AD (Chōshō 1), the parents of Hōnen, Urushima Tokikuni and his wife, prayed here for a safe delivery. During the Edo period, it became the prayer hall of the Tsuyama clan, and was revered by the Mori and Matsudaira lords. A mausoleum for the Mori family was built on the grounds, but later became the mausoleum for the Matsudaira family, and remains so to this day. Honzan-ji Temple boasts many historically significant structures, including the main hall, an Important Cultural Property built in the early Muromachi period, and the three-storied pagoda, an Important Cultural Property built in the early Edo period. The three-storied pagoda, in particular, is one of the largest in Okayama Prefecture, and its majestic appearance is truly breathtaking. The temple grounds also house the Mori family mausoleum, offering a glimpse into Edo-era history. Nestled in a tranquil forest, Honzan-ji Temple is the perfect place for those seeking a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It's a captivating tourist spot where you can immerse yourself in history and culture surrounded by nature.