Butsuryu-ji Temple

Overview

Butsuryu-ji Temple is a Shingon sect temple of the Muryo-ji branch located in Akahani, Hashihara, Uda City, Nara Prefecture. Its mountain name is Manyu-san, and its principal image is Eleven-faced Kannon. It serves as the south gate of Muryo-ji Temple, maintaining a long-standing relationship as the head temple and its branch temple, boasting a deep history and tradition. The origins of Butsuryu-ji Temple are said to date back to 850 AD (the third year of the Kasho era) in the early Heian period, when it was founded by Ken'e, a high-ranking disciple of Kukai (Kobo Daishi). However, there's another theory suggesting that Shu'en of Kofuku-ji Temple in Nara founded it earlier, leading to various interpretations of its exact founding period. Butsuryu-ji Temple offers beautiful scenery throughout the year; the "thousand-year cherry tree" blossoms in spring, while cluster amaryllis bloom profusely in autumn. The "thousand-year cherry tree" is estimated to be 900 years old and is a type of Mochizuki-zakura, a hybrid of Yamazakura and Edohigan cherry blossoms. It was designated as a Nara Prefecture Natural Monument in 1978, later confirmed to be a Mochizuki-zakura through further examination. Around the equinox, cluster amaryllis used to completely cover both sides of the approximately 200 stone steps, making it a famous spot for these flowers. However, in recent years, deer and wild boar have decimated most of them. Since then, protective fencing has been installed, and volunteers have gradually replanted bulbs, leading to a slow but steady recovery. Butsuryu-ji Temple is also known as the birthplace of Yamato tea. It's said that Kukai cultivated the oldest tea plants brought back from Tang China, and a stone mortar for grinding tea remains on the temple grounds. Butsuryu-ji Temple is a tranquil space where history and nature harmoniously coexist. Why not spend some time relaxing at Butsuryu-ji Temple, nestled in the quiet mountains?