Have you ever heard of Iwafuneji Temple in Kamo-cho, Kizugawa City, Kyoto Prefecture?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Although some may not know its location because it is on the border of Nara and Kyoto prefectures, the temple is well known to locals as a \"flower temple\" that often appears in the TV media.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
So what kind of temple is Iwafuneji?<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
In this issue, we will introduce the history, features, and highlights of Iwafuneji Temple.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Iwafuneji Temple is located on the border of Nara and Kyoto Prefectures.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Many people visit this temple not only from Kyoto but also from Nara Prefecture.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
It is a relatively new temple, rebuilt in 1987, and has a number of important cultural properties, including a seated statue of Amida Nyorai from the Heian period (794-1185) and standing statues of the Four Heavenly Kings from the Kamakura period (1185-1333).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Although many people visit the temple for the important cultural asset Buddha statue, it is a bit far from the nearest station, making it a popular spot for those who want to avoid the tourist spots.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Iwafuneji Temple is located in Kamo-cho, Kizugawa City, Kyoto Prefecture, and is a temple of the Shingon Ritsu sect.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
It was founded by Gyoki at the behest of Emperor Shomu in 729 (the first year of the Tenpyo period).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
In the early Heian period (794-1185), Chisen, a nephew of Kukai, entered the temple and built Hoonin, a place of propagation and perfection where esoteric Buddhist rituals were performed.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
In its heyday, there were many monasteries within its spacious precincts, but most of Iwafuneji was destroyed by fire during the Jokyu Incident that broke out in 1221.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
However, it was gradually rebuilt during the Muromachi period (1336-1573) to its current state.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Iwafuneji Temple is famous for its hydrangeas, which can be seen in all four seasons.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Here is a summary of the highlights of Iwafuneji Temple.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
If you are planning to visit the site, please take a look at it!<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The highlight of Iwafuneji Temple is the hydrangea blooming in the temple grounds.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
It is also said to be a hidden place for hydrangeas, which are usually at their best from early June to early July and attract many tourists during this period.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The three-story pagoda, which was rebuilt in the Muromachi period (1336-1573), and hydrangeas give a sense of elegance, so be sure to take a look.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
According to temple legend, Emperor Shomu had Gyoki build the Amida Hall in 729, and Kukai and his nephew, Chisen Daitoku, built the new Hoonin Temple.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The temple's integration into nature is breathtaking.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
It is said to have been built in memory of Emperor Nimyo after the death of Chisen Dai-iru in 825.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The present pagoda was rebuilt in 1442.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Sugata is beautiful, somehow matching the scenery surrounded by greenery.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The rafters at the four corners supporting the roof are carved with \"Sumi Oni\" (corner demons).<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Seated Amida Nyorai, the principal image of Iwafuneji Temple.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The seated height is over 2.8 meters, making it a powerful sight.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The Buddha image is inscribed with the year Tenkei 9 (946) and is designated as an important cultural property.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The thirteen-story pagoda of Iwafuneji Temple, designated as an important cultural property.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The thirteen-story stone pagoda, stacked with thirteen shade stones, stands 6.2 meters high.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The mounted statue of Fugen Bosatsu, now enshrined beside the main image in the main hall.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
It is a small Buddha statue of about 40 cm, but it has the expression of a white elephant with six tusks.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Take a look at the reviews of Iwafuneji Temple in Kyoto, Japan.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
I went to Iwafuneji Temple for the red seal. I recommend that you wear shoes with thoughtful footwear during the hydrangea season. The mountain road is very narrow, so it is a difficult place to drive by yourself. However, I am glad I went there! It was a wonderful place to visit.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Iwafuneji Temple is a wonderful spot! Iwafuneji Temple is crowded with many tourists, especially during the hydrangea season.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Hydrangea temple. This temple is a branch temple of Ichijoin Temple of Kofukuji Temple. It is interesting to enjoy the three-story pagoda, the point of interest here, from various angles.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
I think the contrast between the greenery and the red of the main shrine and the end shrines is a highlight. I was healed by the abundance of greenery.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The contrast between the fresh greenery, hydrangea, and the vermilion three-story pagoda was absolutely beautiful, and I would like to visit again. I was satisfied to see many important cultural assets from the Heian and Muromachi periods in the Buddhist temple.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Finally, let's look at the address and access to Iwafuneji Temple in Kyoto, Japan.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
43 Kaminomon, Iwafune, Kamo-cho, Kizugawa-shi, Kyoto<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Approximately 70 minutes walk from Kamo Station on the JR Kansai Main Line<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
0774-76-3390<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n