Grounds Guide

① Sanmon Gate

The entrance to the grounds, where visiting reception is held.

② Bell Tower

The building housing the temple bell (tsurigane), traditionally rung to announce the start of ceremonies. Today it is rung only once a year, for the "joya no kane" New Year's Eve bell-ringing.

③ Enmeisui Spring

A spring of clear water on the grounds. Please use it for ritual hand-and-mouth purification (temizu).

④ Stone Goma Altar & Seated Fudo Myo-o

Enshrined at the front is the seated image of Fudo Myo-o, the principal image of the altar, set within a sacred boundary marked by a stone torii gate and four corner pillars. Beneath the moss-covered mound at its center sits a round stone goma hearth, once used by mountain ascetics (yamabushi) for the outdoor fire ritual known as "saito goma."

⑤ Guest Hall — Sutra Copying & Buddha Tracing

Sutra copying is a practice of carefully copying the characters of a sutra, one by one, said to clear the mind and form a bond with the Buddha. Both the sutra-copying and Buddha-tracing experiences are offered at the Guest Hall.

⑥ Goshuin Office

Goshuin stamps for the Main Hall, Daikokuten Hall, Godaido Hall, and Goeika are inscribed here in your goshuin book. Omamori charms and other items are also available.

⑦ Aizen-do

Standing against the backdrop of Lake Chuzenji, Aizen-do is known for blessings of good relationships, matchmaking, marital harmony, and charm.

⑧ Song Monument

A monument for the song "Kimi to Itsumademo" by singer and actor Yuzo Kayama, cherished by many at this spot overlooking Lake Chuzenji.

⑨ Omizuya

A water pavilion for purifying hands and mouth before worship.

⑩ Daikokuten Hall

A prayer hall enshrining the hidden statue of Hashiri Daikokuten, known for blessings of household safety, business prosperity, traffic safety, good fortune, warding off misfortune, and safe childbirth.

⑪ Tachiki Kannon Hall (Main Hall)

It is said that Priest Shodo saw a vision of the thousand-armed Kannon over Lake Chuzenji and carved her likeness into a living katsura tree. The Kannon still stands rooted in the earth today, greeting visitors with a serene expression. It is also the 18th sacred site of the Bando 33 Kannon Pilgrimage.

⑫ Godaido Hall

A prayer hall enshrining the Five Wisdom Kings: Fudo Myo-o, Gozanze Myo-o, Gundari Myo-o, Daiitoku Myo-o, and Kongoyasha Myo-o. The ceiling features a magnificent cloud dragon painted by Nampu Katayama.