Founded in 717 by Taicho, this is a temple dedicated to the Hakusan faith that conveys Jinenchi (wisdom of nature) to the present day.
The temple grounds are home to Kigan-yusenkyo, a number of caves opening into the rocky terrain of the temple, as well as a three-story pagoda, main hall, bell tower, and goma-do hall, all of which are designated national important cultural properties, as well as the impressive vermilion railing of the Fugetsu-kyo Bridge. The scenery is like a landscape painting.
It is characterized by unique features unseen in other shoin-style buildings. The shoin (study, drawing room), garden, and tea ceremony room, which are designated as national important cultural properties, and Ryubien, known for its divine Sanzon-ishi stone, a rock face divided into three parts, are available for special viewing.
The “Jinenchi '' refers to training where one gains the wealths of nature in small grass plains, or inside caves. In Kaga, many worshiped the gods of nature. A cave named “Iwaya” in Natadera is known as a Jinenchi dojo. Visitors can look inside. In ancient times, caves were seen as the entrance to the world of death. Yet, it was also known as the mother’s womb. Inside the cave, one can wash their sins away and come out spiritually.
