Abe-Monjuin Temple

It is one of the oldest temples in Japan. It was founded as the Abe clan’s temple by Abe-no-Kurahashimaro, who became the Minister of the Left during the Taika Reform in 645. It is also well-known as the birthplace of Abe-no-Nakamaro, the envoy to Tang China in the Nara period, and Abe-no-Seimei, the onmyoji in the Heian period.

The principal deity in the main hall is the Monju Bosatsu (the Buddha of Wisdom), which is famous for the proverb, “Three people make Monju’s wisdom” (two heads are better than one). Japan’s largest Bosatsu, at an imposing height of about 7 meters, is said to have been created by Kaikei, a genius Buddhist sculptor representing the Kamakura period. The “Tokai Monju and four Companions”, the Monju Bosatsu and the other four statues, are all National Treasures. Among them, the “Youth Zenzai Douji” is popular for its adorable appearance of a child joining hands, and it has become a popular topic among Buddhist statue fans.

The “Kinkaku Ukimi-do Hall,” which looks like it is floating on the pond, houses temple treasures related to Onmyoji as well as the statues of Abe-no-Nakamaro and Abe-no-Seimei. The cherry blossoms in the spring and the cosmos in the fall create a fantastic atmosphere around the halls.

The “Nishi-Kofun Mounds” is a National Special Historic Site, built in the Asuka period. It is said to be the tomb of Abe-no-Kurahashimaro and the interior is still in the same condition as when it was built in 645. It is said to be the most beautiful Kofun structure in Japan.

The store sells a variety of gourmet food as souvenirs, such as “Kame Pan” (turtle bread) filled with pumpkin paste and a medicinal fruit liquor, “Boke-shu,” for good health.