Shorin-ji

Shorin-ji

Shorin-ji is located in Uda City in the northeastern part of Nara Prefecture, Japan. It is the head temple of the Shingon Shorin-ji sect and enshrines a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha as its principal image. The temple was founded by Kenkei during the Hōki era (770–781). Legend has it that during the late Nara period, people prayed for the recovery of Emperor Kanmu, who was ill, near Shorin-ji, and their wishes were eventually fulfilled. Later, by imperial decree, Shorin-ji was established.

Shorin-ji is also widely known as the "Women's Koyasan," because it is one of the few Shingon temples that allow women to worship, unlike Kongōbu-ji on Mount Koya in Wakayama Prefecture, which historically prohibited female visitors. The temple still preserves ancient structures such as the Kondō (main hall), Mirokudō (Maitreya Hall), Gojū-no-tō (Five-Story Pagoda), Kanjōtō (Consecration Tower), and Inner Hall, as well as statues including a wooden standing statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and a wooden standing statue of Manjushri Bodhisattva. Among these, the Kondō, Gojū-no-tō, and the wooden standing statue of Shakyamuni Buddha have been designated as National Treasures, while the Mirokudō and the wooden standing statue of Manjushri Bodhisattva are Important Cultural Properties. The temple grounds are planted with many azaleas and other rare tree species. When in bloom, the colorful flowers fill the garden with fragrance, attracting visitors from far and wide to enjoy the scenery.

Murō-ji

Must-visit reason: One of the most important temples in Uda City

Continent where the attraction is located: Asia【Asia】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Japan[Japan]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Nara Prefecture [Nara Prefecture]

City where the attraction is located: Uda City [Uda]