Located in Otokiri, the easternmost part of Gifu City, this temple is the 16th stop on the Mino Thirty-three Kannon Pilgrimage and the 19th stop on the Mino Shikoku Pilgrimage. Approximately 1300 years ago, a powerful Mino clan leader, Murakuni Oyori, enshrined a Buddha statue, which was later relocated to its current site by a monk named Taicho, leading to the establishment of the temple. During the Nara period, Emperor Shomu ordered the construction of various halls, naming it Ganjoji Temple. Despite being destroyed by fire several times, the temple was restored around 1653 by the priest Yuen.
The "Chujo-hime Seigan Sakura," a cherry tree within the temple grounds, is said to be around 1250 years old according to temple records. With 20-30 petals per flower, it is designated as a national natural monument. The tree is associated with Princess Chujo, who, after visiting the temple, was miraculously cured of her ailments from stress and a long journey, making the tree a symbol of faith for women's health. Each April, the tree blooms spectacularly, drawing visitors and worshippers alike.
Ganjoji Temple also houses several Gifu Prefectural Important Cultural Properties, including statues of the "Juichimen Kannon Bosatsu" (Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva), the "Dainichi Nyorai" (Vairocana Buddha), and nearly 3-meter-tall "Nioh" (Guardian King) statues.
Highlights
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Located in Otokiri, the easternmost part of Gifu City.
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Founded about 1300 years ago by Taicho, later developed under the imperial order of Emperor Shomu.
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Restored in the 17th century by priest Yuen after several fires.
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Home to the "Chujo-hime Seigan Sakura," a national natural monument.
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Houses several Gifu Prefectural Important Cultural Properties, including various Buddha statues.
