I discovered Kouhou-ji as I was descending down the Zushidani Hiking Course - a 2.5km path that commences it's course from the base of Ikomayama (the Ikoma-sanke Hiking Course) and finishing at/near the Ishikiri Station.
The beginning of the path is a little steep but, as it is mostly constructed out of concrete steps, it shouldn't be a problem. About 500-meters down you are greeted with this sight - a concrete Torii, signifying the entrance to the complex.
Arriving at the Torii, you get your first glimpse of the main entrance to the temple. On your right is this Temizuya, where you perform your purification ritual before entering the complex. Then, once you step through the main gate, you are travelling back in time. |
Which brings me to the history of Kouhou-ji. A plaque, situated just outside the temple entrance, explains that a temple was established here during Emperor Jomei's reign (629 - 641), but the present temple was constructed in 1360. During the reign of Empress Genmei (707 - 715) a Buddhist Priest by the name of Gyoki (668 - 749) carved a Thousand Armed Kannon from a sandalwood tree which became the main Deity of the temple.
During the Eiroku Era (1558 - 1570) the temple was restored after being destroyed during the Onin War (1467 - 1477), the second such incident and, since 1916, the temple has gone through several more restorations.
The day I visited the temple it was snowing - Japan at the time was in the middle of an unstable, cold weather pattern, and the weather was acting very strange, to say the least - which added to the atmosphere of the area.
In an area of the complex was this small Inari Shrine, guarded by two Kitsune (foxes).
As you exit the temple grounds to continue on down the 'course - turning right as you exit the main gate - you will pass this set of Jizo statues; protector of travelers, women & children. These are a favorite of mine and I come-across them in some of the most isolated of places.
And you will come-across many more of them, as you make your way down the course.
| All that is left for me to do, is to tell you about my video of Kouhou-ji and this Link, which shows you my course for the day. |