The symbol of Mt. Yoshino in Nara and the head temple for mountaineering asceticism, which is a religion based on Japan’s ancient nature worship, mixed with Buddhism, Daoism and Onmyodo. In the late 7th century, En no Gyoja, said to be the founder, confined himself in prayers for a thousand days and had a revelation from Kongo Zao Gongen. He carved the image into cherry trees and enshrined them on top of Mt. Sanjogadake and at its foot, Mt. Yoshino.
The main hall, Zaodo, is a national treasure. This traditional wooden building was reconstructed in 1592. 34m (112 ft)-tall and each eave is 36m (118 ft)-long, a large wooden structure next to Todaiji Temple’s Daibutsu-den Hall. The object of worship, three statues of Kongo Zao Daigongen are 7m (23 ft)-tall, which are held in Japan’s largest halls and opened to the public only on special occasions.
The oldest structure at Kinpusenji Temple is said to be Nio Gate, which is also a national treasure. Within the gate, the important cultural property, the wooden Kongo Rikishi statue stands (*Until 2028, Nio Gate will be in repair). Zaodo Hall and Nio Gate along with the national important cultural property, the copper front gate, are registered as main properties of the World Heritage, Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii mountain Range.
You can experience a variety of training. If you are interested, call them. At the middle of Mt. Yoshino, the spring scenery from the plateau is extraordinary.
Highlights
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The head temple for mountaineering asceticism.
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The national treasures, Zaodo Hall and Nio Gate along with the important cultural property, the copper front gate are registered as World Heritage.
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Zaodo Hall is the 2nd largest wooden structure next to Todaiji Temple’s Daibutsu-den Hall.
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In spring, you can view a thousand cherry trees in bloom on Mt. Yoshino.
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Nio Gate will be in repair until 2028.
