Koto three temples

What is 'Koto Sanzan (湖東三山)' ? In this article, we want to focus on it. First of all, we will search the literal meaning. 'Koto' means 'east of lake', and, in this instance, it means 'eastern region of the Lake Biwa'. And, 'sanzan' means 'three mountains', and this time, is '3 temples'. In Japan, many temples have long names, for instance, 'some mountain plus some temple'. The reason they have the former part of their names is their location. Many old temples were established on feet of mountains, so they were called mountain name plus temple name.   

Each of Koto Sanzan's temples is described below.

Ryuouzan Saimyoji (Ryuou-mountain Saimy-temple)
Shohouzan Kongorinji (Shoho-mountain Kongorin-temple)
Shakasan Hyakusaiji (Shaka-moutain Hyakusai-temple) 

According to a guide book, 'Koto Sanzan' was once 'Koto Gozan' (Koto 5 temples) in the Muromachi period (5～600 years ago). And, other two temples were 'Binmanji' and 'Daikakuji', and these two temples declined severely, so survived 3 temples gathered attention. In this way, catchphrase, 'Koto Sanzan' and 3 temples became popular. 

However, we don't have evidence of existence of the name in the documents, furthermore, 'Koto Sanzan' have no other description except the guide book. 
The result we searched is that 'Koto Sanzan' was a catchphrase of an advertisement of a regular sightseeing bus at a little past time. It was made around 1965, when there was a big tourist boom all around Japan. And a regular sightseeing bus company created a new bus route traveling these three temples. The truth is the truth, but it's convenient to describe these three temples in line with this classification.     


Ryuouzan Saimyoji (Saimyoji temple)

It established approximately 1200 years ago. There was around 300 accommodation for monks in its heyday. Now, Meishin Highway runs across the site of this temple, in other words, it crosses underground of the approach between the entrance and the main buildings. It's pity, we would like to argue loudly because that it is a cultural property! However, at the inner entrance of this temple, there is no traffic sound, so we can feel tranquility.

Main hall and three-storied pagoda are national treasures, and these are estimated to be built during the Kamakura period (around 800 years ago). 

Some of Buddha statues are important cultural assets. Once there was a great fire and many buildings were burnt, and Buddha statues were removed into the main hall, so they are all survived. But, there isn't enough space for them and they are crowded in the hall. Photography is prohibited in the hall. So we cannot take photos of Buddha statues. If we explain by our words, they are very charming and beautiful. 

There is a special guide in the main hall, and he explains the history and the character of the Buddha statues very kindly.   

Our special interest is communality and history not the beginning days but Oda Nobunaga's era. Because, to tell the truth, we aren't interested in the beginning of them. We already described 'Koto' means the region of the east of the Lake Biwa. And, 'Koto' was a main battle field when Oda Nobunaga was active. So, not only for us but also for many Japanese interested in the history, this typical moment is quite remarkable. 

Real history between Saimyoji and Nobunaga is below. Nobunaga carried out the notorious Siege of Mount Hiei (1571) on September 15th and following few days. After that, he went back to his headquarters, the Gifu castle. 

We found a description of a Saimyoji's paper for tourists that Nobunaga ordered to fire Tendai-sect temples around Koto region. And, Saimyoji was a Tendai-sect temple, and it was badly burnt and many buildings were lost then. 

In the official record of Nobunaga, there was no description of the firing order, and he made another order in this timing. The order was to kill a warrior. This order was recorded in the official record of Nobunaga.

The warrior was born in Omi (Shiga Prefecture), and became a subordinate of Nobunaga's enemy, and after he betrayed his master and became Nobunaga's 

subordinate, however, he betrayed again, so Nobunaga commanded to kill him. 

According to a paper of Saimyoji, the commander who recieved the killing order was the same person who commanded the firing to Saimyoji. We doubt he really received the firing order. Our reasoning is that only killing order was recorded and firing order was not. Why only killing order was recorded? 

Moreover, by the Saimyoji's explanation, Nobunaga commanded the firing of Tendai-sect temples, why other temples, for example Kongorinnji and Hyakusaiji weren't burnt? Regarding this matter, we suppose Saimyoji released this information without solid grounds.   

Now, we want to mention positive information. 
This temple was enumerated one of Japan's 36 most beautiful places (by CNN Travel). The reason is contrast of the main hall and autumn leaves is excellent.

Further information is a garden which was made during the Edo period. It is named 'Horaitei', located beside of the wide approach to the main hall, and it is registered as Place of Scenic Beauty by the national government. 

This garden is located in front of a monk's accommodation. We go through a small gate beside it. The garden is a stroll garden with a pond. Beyond the pond, we enter a walking path, and it connects to the main hall area. 

If you aren't interested in this garden, you can go up to the main hall using the wide main path. When you follow the tourist route, you enter the main hall area from a sub-gate and you find the three-stories pagoda in front of you. 

They might intend a visual effect for the visitors. And, there is a special guide in it, and he explains the history and the character of the Buddha statues humorously.   


Shohouzan Kongorinji (Kongorinji temple)

It established 100 years earlier than Saimyoji, approximately 1300 years ago. There is no description about its scale. Originally Kongorinji was one of 'Mikkyo' temples, which were established deep inside mountains. These temples usually didn't have so many surrounding buildings. We suppose this temple was the smallest among three. 

On the other hand, current situation is different. The width of its property would be opposite, and it would be the widest among three temples now. And main hall is located at around 500-meter distant place from the entrance gate. 

Approach path is wide and almost flat during the first 100 meters or so, however, it changes into the natural stone stairs in its later part. The stairs continue endlessly, we become nervous, whether we can reach our destination or not. 
However, there is another route for vehicle users, so, anyone afraid of his walking ability can go up to a near point of the main hall. 

Although we recommend walking, because you can experience the atmosphere that a 'Mikkyo' temple creates. 

The main hall was constructed approximately 730 years ago. So, it is original and national treasure. The three-stories pagoda was built approximately 650 years ago. This pagoda was badly damaged, but renovated 45 years ago, so it is also original (an important national asset). Photography is prohibited in the hall, so there is no photo of Buddha statues. In this hall, visitors can approach very close to the Buddha statues.

By the way, real history between Kongorinji and Nobunaga is also attractive. According to a paper for tourists, this temple was also fired by Nobunaga's army in 1573. The reason why Nobunaga ordered to fire this temple was a little strange. 
Neighboring Hyakusaiji risked carrying in food to the Namazure castle, where was occupied by Nobunaga's enemy. Then, Kongorinji was considered as an accomplice. However, this temple was not guilty. We wonder if his order was really done by such unclear reason.

All the years of Nobunaga administration, temples had strong political power as close as samurai's power, sometimes samurai group attacked temples. On the contrary, Toyotomi's and Tokugawa's time, power balance between samurai and temples was changed, and temples lost their power. Toyotomi and Tokugawa were maybe more tolerant than Oda Nobunaga. But, in their time, samurai administrations didn't need to fight against temples' power any more. That is the reason attitude to temples was quite different between Nobunaga and his successors, we suppose.

As 'Horaitei' garden existed in the Saimyoji temple, there is a wide garden around a monk's accommodation, 'Myojuin' in the Kongorinnji temple. This garden is divided into three parts. The first part near the entrance was made in the Momoyama era, about 430 years ago. And the second part center of this garden was during the beginning of the Edo period, about 400 years ago. And the deepest part was during the end of the Edo period, about 170 years ago. 
However, no documents and evidence, people don't consider as an important cultural place. So, it isn't registered as a Place of Scenic Beauty, but, it's a quite innovative and attractive garden.

In the second part, a tea house is placed, and we can not enter it. Furthermore, we can enter the veranda of the accommodation, but we can't enter the Japanese-style room.

We go out of the site of the accommodation. The main hall is far above the slope and endless stairs.


* The main hall (from information board)

This building is considered to be built at 1288 from an evidence below. At the 'Shumidan' (*1) inside of the building, there are many metal fittings. And one of the metal fittings, a record of the construction date (1288). So, experts consider this building is one of large-scale 'Mikkyo' style main-halls which was made in the Kamakura period. Floor plan of it is 7 interval width and 7 interval depth. At that time, width and depth were counted by intervals (pillar to pillar is one interval). And the roof is a hip-and-gable roof, 'Irimoya-zukuri' (*2). Inside of the 'Mikkyo' style main-halls are divided into 'Gaijin' and 'Naijin'. 'Gaijin' is a prayer space, monks and believers gathers, and 'Naijin' is a divine space, usually many Buddha statued are installed. There are boundaries made by lattice doors and diamond-shaped transoms. Wide and solemn inside, imposing appearance, it is a masterpiece of main-halls of the Middle Ages.

*1 Shumidan

An alter made of fine timber, generally with panelling, rich moldings, steep steps, and high rallings. 'Shumidan' is an alternative of 'Shumisen', which is an imaginary center of Buddhism world. In Shumidan, Buddha statues are installed.

*2 Irimoya-zukuri

A hip-and-gable roof construction. A gable type roof has a ridge and gable pediments on the upper part, and a hipped roof on the four sides on the lower part. This roof style was introduced from China at the sametime as Buddhism in the mid 6c.


Shakasan Hyakusaiji (Shaka-moutain Hyakusai-temple) 

It established approximately 1400 years ago, so it is the oldest among three temples. It was originally for immigrants from southern Korea, an old country named 'Kudara', Packche. Its area was also the biggest, however, in a certain period, it changed its belonging sect, and became a 'Tendai' temple. Dozen of religious buildings and 300 and more monks' accommodation were there. On the contrary, there are only accommodation and a main hall survived. Quite melancholy mood is surrounding there. Inside of the main hall is also deserted, and no guide person.  

The relationship between Hyakusaiji and Nobunaga was really severe. Nobunaga expected this temple to be the alternative of the Hieizan Enryakuji temple. The Hieizan Enryakuji temple had been an enemy of Nobunaga, and it was completely burnt in 1571. Maybe Hyakusaiji was the next biggest, so Nobunaga supported this temple as long as it obeyed. However, they betrayed Nobunaga, so he angered and destroyed this temple in 1573. Why Hyakusaiji betrayed Nobunaga? A little before Nobunaga came, this temple had a great fire and lost many buildings. At that time, Rokkaku clan (ruler of this region) helped generously, and Hyakusaiji felt a debt of gratitude towards this clan. For Hyakusaiji, it was so important that they chose to secretly help their benefactor. This temple became more declined.     

Later, this temple was supported by Toyotomi and Tokugawa administration. Its buildings and surroundings were reconstructed one more time. However, its outstanding position was no more come back.

The garden of the accommodation, 'Kikenin' is a very famous garden. Many old people commented how expressed they were. If we choose one of three gardens, we recommend it too. 

We enter this stroll garden beside the accommodation. At first, the path is narrow and ordinary, and soon the ground is covered by many big river stone. 

Then, a wide pond appears in front of our eye-sight, and it is planned very closer to a veranda of accommodation. We go through stepping-stones and stepping-stone-bridges, then we arrive at the opposite side of the wide pond. Too much attractive it is! We enter a hill beside of the pond, this hill is covered by many stone, well treated shrubberies. 
At a middle point, an observation open space is there. We can get a view of the whole temple area and far plane coastline of the Lake Biwa.

To the main hall, we can take a shortcut from the backyard of the garden. 
However, the distance is a little long. We have to go up a long distance not so much long as Kongorinji. 

Once this temple was sieged by Nobunaga's army (1573), the main hall had been fortified by stone walls, and it was like a mountain castle. Like Hieizan temple had many armed priests, this temple also had many of them. They resisted but defeated. Because of their effort flamed the anger of Nobunaga's army, they invaded severely, and the main hall and other buildings were burnt down completely. 

The main hall we are looking now was reconstructed during the Edo period (1650). 
Several Buddha statues escaped damage, but these historical and cultural value is not so much.

Inn town in the Edo period

'Tsumago' is world famous as a survived inn town in the form of original and no development. Whereas, 'Magome' is not so much famous but it's also a well preserved historical town, to the best of our knowledge.

At first, we planed to describe 'Tsumago' and 'Magome' with these towns' transition from the beginning.

These towns are located in neighboring location sandwiched only one mountain, and these post towns were made at the same moment. 

Their historical position in the final stage of the Sengoku period was also strategically important. Because they were on one side and the other side of a border. When some military operation took place around this area, these two places were used as military camps of 2 groups standing against. 

From such previous information, we considered 'Tsumago' and 'Magome' are places in line with the Sengoku and Edo period.  

However, after visiting, and after reading documents, we came to feel like something was wrong. After the end of the Edo period, like other historical places, these towns were abandoned. Because the system of traffic from Tokyo to Kyoto and post towns for the feudal travelers became unnecessary.

How they recover from the decline? From the decline of the number of travelers, loss of the Sankin-kotai system, and loss of town peoples' job. 
This theme was the most important for these towns. Almost all history of them was told in this line, so, we also reconstruct our description same. 
(The Sankin-kotai was a system under which feudal lords in the Edo period were required to spend every other year in residence in Edo. So, they had to travel from their territory to Edo every year.) 


Nakasendo Highway

We will start this article with an inquiry why a post town made at Tsumago. 
Where was located in the middle of the Honshu island and deep in the mountains. When the Kamakura shogunate was established at Kamakura, Kanto region (1192), the political center was separated into Kamakura and Kyoto. (Before that, only Kyoto had been the political center.) People traveled between these two cities using Tokaido Highway which was the coastal route from Kamakura to Kyoto. During the Kamakura period, road improvements were mainly held at Tokaido Highway.

In the Sengoku period (1467-1573), the Sengoku lords governed huge territories. Their ideas of road improvements were only inside of their territories, so they road-maintenanced exclusively and militarily. They made new roads to the military base at the border area, but they didn't maintenance Highways in their territories. 

When Toyotomi Hideyoshi's ruling era came, Japan was unified again. 
However, he didn't make or maintenance Highways which were covered all around Japan. His target of urban design was only around Kyoto, so, he held many large-scale public works but these were in Kyoto and Osaka area. Then, the Tokugawa shogunate did. It reconstructed several Highways, and in every Highways post towns were made newly for the convenience of travelers. Nakasendo Highway was one of them, which was newly made from Edo to Kyoto. So, the shogunate made two routes from Edo to Kyoto, coastal route was Tokaido Highway and mountainous route was Nakasendo Highway. Tsumago was the 42nd post town and Magome was the 43rd from Edo.   


Historical review of Tsumago and Magome

Near the Tsumago town, the Tumago castle was made when the Komaki-Nagakute war (1584) occurred. It was made by Kiso Yoshimasa who belonged to Toyotomi group. And, when the Sekigahara war (1600) occurred, Tokugawa Hidetada stayed at this castle. (Tokugawa Hidetada became the second at 1605, so, he was a big name.) In 1616, this castle was demolished. We have no information how big it was. According to a document, Tsumago town had around 80 houses, and 400-500 people lived. 

Magome district was supposed to be suited for a military point. So, the opposite group (Tokugawa group) was stationed there, so, the place name 'Jinya' is remained now. (Jinya means 'garrison'.) Reviewing these places, we noticed each of them was important for military operation. There's no record any battle happened in these areas, so, 2 opposite armies only glared at each other. According to a document, Magome town had around 70 houses, and around 700 people lived. Source and time were about these records, so, town scale was supposed to be same, we think. 


Tsumago town

Tsumago town is located at the southern end of Nagano Prefecture, alongside the Araragi river, a branch of the Kiso river. This town was once a post town of Nakasendo Highway, remaining in the same shape as it was at the end of the Edo era. The width of this town is approximately 600meters and along the center street there are around 80 houses remained. Almost all houses are original. If some buildings are reconstructed, at least reconstructions were done 100 years and more ago. 

Mainstream of building style is a stone-weighed single roof and road side windows are covered with lattice of vertical timber bars. Every house was involved in posting station (hospitality work and transportation and so on). Town people were almost common folks, no wealthy merchant, no wealthy farmer. There was center of government called 'Honjin' and 'Waki-honjin'. These facilities were used for accommodation of feudal lords. Buildings of 'Honjin' were lost, but were reconstructed look like the original 13 years ago. And buildings of 'Waki-honjin' were reconstructed approximately 130 years ago.

Preservation activities at Tsumago town

Until very recently, Japanese people didn't have the idea to preserve structures which were historically important. For example, when the feudal era finished, government ordered demolition of all Japanese castles. The situation of ordinary houses was more severe. And Tsumago town's situation was much more severe. Town's people didn't have money for reconstruction, so, all houses lined along the main street survived. It's an exaggerated expression but they had no income, no job around there, so, all of them became migrants.

Around 1965, one preservation activity started. People who concerned thought to preserve the crumbling originals created new value. They had one advantage that no other towns had more remained original houses than them. Even if there were close situations, Tsumago town had another advantage which was their history as a late post town of Nakasendo Highway. Furthermore, this town places accessible area for tourists, however, quite deep in the mountains. Then, this post town became famous. That looks quite short story but in reality, they experienced many problems such as kicking out developers who only thought about their profits. And almost 50 years, they have been living their successful life.

Because we can't access their internal materials, we only use our imagination. 
We suppose the original business plan bankrupted. We also suppose the main idea of tourism income was a parking fee. If we add another idea, there are several small public museums, but we think tourists will not visit these places recently. Because these are only unattractive renovated old-houses and they don't have worth seeing exhibitions compare to about 4 dollars fee. And from another perspective, they have another deadly problem. Their features were mainly made at the end of Edo period, so, these are around 150 old. They will need much more maintenance fee as the years go by.       

Their success is continuing maybe 50 years. So, still they may have plenty of money stock. However, at least this year, they don't have any income because of COVID 19. We suppose that incident causes severe damage to the finance of this town. 
Furthermore their stance to the developers and the public make them go to the dead end recently. First decision was excellent, but at some point, they should collaborate with private companies. If COVID 19's restriction finish, maybe they will survive. If that doesn't finish, we can't say what will happen. 


Magome town (Magome-juku)   

Description bellow is from an information board at the mouth of this town.
Magome-juku is located at the southernmost point of the Kiso Juichi-Juku (Eleven Post Towns of Kiso), and is the 43rd post town from Nihonbashi in Edo. The settlements of houses lined in rows on both sides of the narrow Nakasendo Highway, still retain remnants of the Edo period even today.

It is a so-called 'post town on a slope', built on the steep slope along the mountain ridge and a rare spot even all over Japan. There are several scenic spots where visitors can enjoy viewing the abundant nature. It is also the birthplace of the qreat writer Toson Shimazaki, and about 6000 documents including the manuscript of his masterpiece 'Before the Dawn' are exhibited at the Toson Memorial Hall (Magome-juku Honjin). 


Preservation activities at Magome town

Preservation activities at Magome weren't told so often, why?
It's our very original idea and a little harsh comment, but this town is 'replica'. Most houses are reconstructed look like the original. 
So, these are not old houses but old-ish houses. Then we don't have the feeling we felt at Tsumago town where aging of houses would destroy the whole town at any moment. On the other hand, it is not 'really precious remain', maybe you can find a similar town somewhere in Japan.

The road, main point of this town was renovated by cobblestone, quite much capital used we suppose. Many sightseeing places connected with the historical background are oftenly renovated using great amount of public funds nowadays. In comparison, treatment of Tsumago town's main street is still asphalt pavement, it looks a little pity.

Magome town seems to be given good treatment, such like redevelopment specialists' support, public funds. Furthermore private companies are incorporating and additional public support is also given, we suppose. In contrast, Tsumago town seems to be doing only preservation of historical buildings, we think this idea is old-fashioned. We suppose it would be one reason that Tsumago town belongs Nagano Prefecture and Magome town belongs Gifu Prefecture.

Around the mouth of the Magome town, wide broadway comes, several hotels are located, big souvenir shops are covered the entrance position. However, inside of the Magome town, there is no big souvenir shop, several originals still are located, newly made old-ish buildings covers the space among them. These points seem to be considered positive, at lease we felt so. It's quite comfortable for tourists, and there is sense of unity in this town. Whole town's appearance is well considered, scenery changes as we go through, there are many photo spots, and so on. It's one of perfect theme parks. If someone asks which one do you prefer, we will choose this.

Murouji temple

Restart

Because of a covid-19 epidemic, the government banned to move between prefecture borders. To be more precise, it was't exactly prohibited, but self-restraint was strongly recommended. So, we fell into a difficult situation not to visit historical places. Even though, we ventured to visit several in-prefecture facilities, but the entrances were shut.

In the meantime, at June 19th, an information was announced that the self-restraint was no more necessary. However, the number of newly found patients of covid-19 began to increase at the start of July. Impatient people say the second wave has come.

For us, this timing was an opportunity to take some actions. We visited a temple in the Nara prefecture as a first step. That day was a middle day of a series of heavy rain days, these rain might be caused by the Global warming climate change. It was the visit in drizzling.

The Murouji temple is an old temple located between the Nara prefecture and the Mie prefecture. It was founded in the beginning of the Heian period (around 800 AD). And belonged a Buddhism sects named the Singon sect.

Usually, temples and shrines are considered to be completely different. 
Buddhism and Shintoism, Buddhas and divine spirits, these are supposed to be confronting each other. However, these are not confronting in Japan.

The situation at that time was follows. Buddhism in Japan was a imported religion. So, the people who imported Buddhism chose a way to create a fusion with domestic beliefs, Shinto. We don't have information that old Buddhism in China created same relationship with opposite beliefs or not. However, at least in Japan, when a temple was founded, they selected a place by a spiritual reason theorized by Shinto. 
For example, a place of a Dragon King legend chose as an establish siting of an important temple. Furthermore, the first chosen sects were the sects regarding same kind of belief. Like Shinto, they respected training in deep mountains or mysticism. 

After the establishment of this temple, it was under the protection of the Kofukuji temple, which was the biggest temple in Nara region. And it became relatively decline its potential year by year.

By the way, when the Murouji temple is introduced, the word 'Nyonin-koya' were added very often. Like 'Nyonin-koya Murouji temple'. 'Nyonin-koya' means a catch phrase. In this word, 'koya' means 'Koyasan'. And 'Koyasan' is one of very famous religious divine area. In 'Koyasan' area, many temples were established and this area became the center of  the Singon sect. 

There was one problem, 'Koyasan' avoided coming females to this area. And back to the catch phrase, 'Nyonin' means female. So, 'Nyonin-koya' means the place like 'Koyasan' for female people. Many female believers visited here after the new catch phrase accepted by the world. Then, potential of this temple raised again. This change was happened in the Edo period. After that, this temple recovered and flourished again.

So, this temple had variety situations, such as prosperity, decline and recover. 
However, temples should not be told in the context of power games. Like churches in western world, temples in Japan are also holy place. We should use more appropriate language, but we don't have the ability, so please forgive us.

There are several important historical buildings in the site. Also, many national treasures and important cultural properties it has. It's quite available to introduce this temple from cultural aspect. However, regarding the old time catch phrase, people feel importance in another aspect. Because this temple is the 'Nyonin-koya', female believers sanctuary.

Again, this temple had many competitions for powers. It glistened many times in the long history. 
Although these historical facts were told at the corner of the stage. In other word, such as feminine sensitivity or women's literal context. When books introduce this temple, an author of the beginning essay is absolutely by a woman. One more thing, it's quite unnecessary information but the Murouji temple's pages in every guide book are composed for female tourists.



Visit

When we visited there, we were in the bad mood because of a frustration by covid-19. And the weather was also in the bad mood because of continually repeating rainy days. This trial would be something special for us, and the result would be good.

There were only two female groups, maybe because the day was week day and also rainy day. At the 'Hondo', one of the main buildings, a female monk welcomed tourists chanting a Buddhist sutra. The sound echoed welcoming us. One woman in a female group asked something about a Buddhist statue. The female monk answered delightedly. All stage settings which were sound of rain, chants of a female monk, and silence made us the Murouji temple a perfect place. It's worth announcing itself as 'Nyonin-koya'. 


Official information of 'Murouji Temple'

Located at the foot of Mount Murou, Murouji is the head temple of the Murouji sect of Shingon Buddhism. 
This area had been regarded as a sacred location since ancient times, people worshipped the Dragon God, said to live in a cave on the Mount Murou. In times of drought the Emperor of time would sent messengers to pray to the Dragon for rain.

The temple's official history began in the late seventh century, by Imperial order of the Emperor Tenmu (reign 673-686), En no Gyoujya (Ozunu) established the temple. And in the late eighth century, the Emperor Kanmu (reign 781-806) ordered a high priest Kenkai of Kofukuji to begin to rebuild the temple, but soon he died (793). So that his disciple Syuen took over Kenkei's duties, he built a hall, and a pagoda. 
After that Shintai of Kukai's disciple entered the temple with Shingon Esoteric Buddhism. And in Kamakura period, the main Kanjyodo Hall (1308) and Miedo Hall which enshrines Kukai were built.

Murouji Temple is celebrated as one of places of worship for women. In contrast to Mt. Koya (Wakayama Prefecture) which to prohibited women until Meiji 38 (1905), Murouji allowed women to visit, so it was called 'Nyonin Koya' which means Koya for women. 

When you mention the most important Buddhist statue, 'Shaka-nyorai-ritsuzo' comes in this temple. 'Shaka-nyorai-ritsuzo' means 'The most important image 'Shaka-nyorai' standing statue. This statue is placed in 'Kondo'. 'Kondo' is also historically very important building. So, everybody focus on him and his outer building. 

However, we are quite twisted, so, we choose our own recommendation. Our recommendation is an another Buddhist statue in other building, 'Hondo'. His name is 'Nyoirin-kanonzo' and he has six arms. 

Why does he have six arms? There are plenty of explanations. His arms would be an absolutely interesting point, however, we have another direction. His legs. He is sitting his right leg up. And another leg is sliding under the right leg. And we are interested in the positions of each legs, these soles placed together. This pose has been explained he is considering how to solve entire human beings and so on. If there are Japanese faithful Buddhists, please shut your eyes. There's no doubt this pose is joke!   


Why does he twist his body and unnaturally place his both soles together? Furthermore, why does he have quite unnatural six arms? We doubt you really trust his seriousness. In comparison, 'Shaka-nyorai-ritsuzo' is standing with dignity, and his height is one size larger than us, so he looks very trustful. If we don't believe him, he will maybe teach a lesson. What an unbelieving and ill-mannered descriptions we are! We would describe proper expression. If we can do that, this view point should be treated as a considerable.   

Official information of 'Kondo' Hall (National Treasure)

Situated at the top of Yoroi-zaka (Armor Slope, so named for its resemblance to samurai armor), the Kondo Hall dates to the mid-ninth century, making it on the oldest structures at Murouji Temple. Its design is somewhat unusual in masonry terrace. It is roofed with shingles.

At inner sanctum of the hall there had been unusual arrangement of Buddhist figures: five large, halo-backed statues with twelve smaller figures in front. But at present there are three large statues and six smaller figures. In the center of the back row is the Shakamuni Buddha.

Toward the left is the statue of Monju (means graceful and lovely), the bodhisattva representing the perfection of wisdom. Toward the right is Yakusi Nyorai (means a medical doctor), these date to the Heian period. In the front row stand of six figures of the Twelve Divine Generals, which date to the Kamakura period (1185-1333). Those crafted exquisitely lifelike warriors guard the twelve traditional direction. Each bears a Chinese zodiac animal upon its head. The statues of Eleven-faced Kannon and Jizo and other six Divine Generals are housed in the Treasure Hall March 2020.  


Official information of 'Statue of Shaka Nyorai' (National Treasure)

The Shakyamuni Buddha is the principal object of worship in the Kondo Hall. It was carved from a single piece of Japanese nutmeg (kaya) wood. Both the statue and the halo surrounding it were carved in early Heian period (794-1185). And those show us the case of excellent skill and craftsmanship at that time. The realistic flowing robe painted cinnabar red was executed in a style known as 'Renpa-shiki' or 'Rippling waves'. This particular example is known as 'Murouji drapery'.


Official information of 'Five-Storied Pagoda' (National Treasure)

At just 16.10 meters tall, this pagoda is both the smallest outdoor five-story pagoda in Japan and the second oldest after the pagoda at Horuji Temple. Built in the early ninth century,it is roofed which cypress bark and topped with unusual canopy, as well as a water bottle ornament in the flask shape.

This pagoda, a symbol of the natural and architentural beauty of Murouji Temple, is a memorial to the historical Buddha, Shakyamuni (a saint of Shakya tribe). It is especially stunning when framed by rhododendrona in spring and Japanese maple tree in autumn. In 1998, a tyhoon caused a large tree to fall onto the pagoda, damaging it severely. Donations poured in from across Japan and overseas, not only from Buddhists but people of every faith, and the pagoda was restored over a two-year period.


In the last, we apologize our expression quite falls into disorder. Our final expression is the Murouji temple is worth visiting. We want to visit with further knowledge and pure minds next time.