Guide
Iou-ji is a temple of the Shingon Buddhist sect (Daihakuji school) located in Tomonoura, Fukuyama City, Hiroshima Prefecture. It is one of the oldest historical sites in the Tomonoura area, situated halfway up the mountainside. The most striking feature of the temple is the path to the "Taishiden" (Prince's Hall), located even higher than the main hall. After climbing approximately 583 stone steps, a breathtaking view unfolds, revealing the calm waters of the Seto Inland Sea and the historic cityscape centered around the iconic stone lighthouse. This picturesque scenery has even served as a filming location for various movies and anime.
The history of this temple is profound, said to have been founded in 826 (Tencho 3) by the famous monk Kobo Daishi (Kukai). Although the temple once succumbed to fire, it was later rebuilt during the Keicho era by the lord of Tomonoura Castle, Osaki Genpan. The central deity, the