Onsen-ji Temple

Overview

Onsen-ji Temple, founded in 724 AD during the Nara period by the Buddhist monk Gyōki, is deeply connected to the history of Arima Onsen. Gyōki was known for spreading Buddhist teachings and actively engaging in medical care and civil engineering projects to improve people's lives. Arima Onsen has long flourished as a hot spring resort, and Gyōki, recognizing the therapeutic benefits of the springs, is believed to have established Onsen-ji Temple as a place to heal people's illnesses using the hot spring waters. Since then, Onsen-ji Temple has served as a central place of faith for the people of Arima Onsen, watching over their lives. Onsen-ji Temple houses numerous precious cultural assets, including the statue of Daijō Hahira and a black lacquered chest, both designated as Important Cultural Properties of Japan. The statue of Daijō Hahira is a wooden Buddhist statue from the Kamakura period, possessing a majestic presence. The black lacquered chest, crafted during the Edo period, features a lavish design adorned with gold leaf. These cultural assets are invaluable legacies that tell the story of Onsen-ji Temple's long history and culture. Onsen-ji Temple stands in serene tranquility, offering visitors a sense of peace. The grounds are filled with large trees and seasonal flowers in bloom. It's a healing space where you can relax, both mentally and physically, while immersing yourself in history and culture. When visiting Arima Onsen, be sure to stop by Onsen-ji Temple and find solace in its quiet atmosphere.