Enichi-ji Temple Ruins (Keidai-ji Temple)

Overview

Enichi-ji Temple was established in 807 (year 2 of the Daidō era) by Tokui, a scholar-monk from Nara, during the early Heian period. Tokui aimed to spread Buddhist culture throughout the Aizu region, building temples such as Shōjō-ji and Enzō-ji (Yanagitsu Kokuzōson) to achieve this. Enichi-ji Temple once flourished with 300 monks, thousands of warrior monks, and 3,800 sub-temples. However, after numerous fires and the Haibutsu Kishaku movement during the Meiji era, it was abandoned. The current Keidai-ji Temple was rebuilt in 1904. The Enichi-ji Temple ruins are a designated national historical site. The extensive grounds feature excavated foundation stones and remnants of the former temple. The Golden Hall, restored in 2008, stands as a testament to the temple's past magnificence. The Middle Gate has also been restored, allowing visitors to imagine the temple's former glory. Other remaining structures such as the Tokui Mausoleum and Ryūhō-ji Fudōdō further evoke a sense of history. Enichi-ji Temple ruins are perfect for history buffs and those wishing to combine a visit with other attractions in the area, such as the scenic Mount Bandai and the Goshikinuma ponds.