Nyonin Koya, Murouji Temple

Murou is surrounded by mountains and clear streams, it has been said to be a sacred place of worship for the water god and dragon god since ancient times. Kenkei, a monk of Kofukuji Temple, had Murouji temple built in the late Nara period to pray for the healing of Prince Yamabe’s illness, who later became Emperor Kanmu. In contrast to Mt. Koya, which prohibited women from visiting, Murouji Temple allowed women to visit despite being part of the Shingon school, and it has been called “Nyonin Koya'' since the Kamakura period. The temple declined once, but was rebuilt during the Edo period under the patronage of Keishoin, the mother of 5th shogun Tokugawa Tsunayoshi, and has been worshipped as “Nyonin Koya” throughout Japan.

Due to the distance from the former capital, a distinct Buddhist culture has matured. A number of Buddhist statues representing the early Heian period, including those with a carved drapery design known as the Murouji style, have been designated as national treasures and important cultural properties, and they have a mysterious beauty in harmony with the surrounding nature. In 2020, the treasure hall, which houses Buddhist statues and other treasures, was opened.

The 16-meter-high five-story pagoda is Japan's smallest outdoor pagoda. This is the oldest historical building on the premises, built in the late Nara period, and is designated as a national treasure site. It attracts visitors due to its exquisite appearance. From mid-April to early May, approximately 3,000 rhododendrons bloom along with the stone steps, enhancing the charm of the five-story pagoda. At the “Okuno-in”, at the top of 700 stone steps from the five-story pagoda, the “Miedo Hall”, where Kobo-Daishi Kukai is enshrined, is opened on the 21st of each month, and visitors can see the statue of Kukai in the beautiful nature.