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Joruriji Temple is an important temple not just in Kizugawa but in Japan. It was built during the Heian Period and is architecturally the last building of its kind left in the nation. When it was built, other temples of the same sort existed with Amida Halls and representations of the nine levels of Enlightenment inside but today even Amida Halls are rare and none are like Joruriji.
The statues inside representing the nine levels of Enlightenment are beautiful! They are made of gold and highly impressive. The statue of Kichijoten, the Chinese beauty, is also very impressive and still retains its color. You can't help but stare in awe inside the hall!
Outside there is a pond and on the opposite side of the pond is the temple's pagoda. The view of the Amida Hall from across the pond is nice and makes the temple appear to be a rusty color.
The Amida Hall is only open in January, and certain times in the spring and autumn. Entrance is 300 yen.
Written Dec 15, 2011
Address: 40 Nishio-Futaba, Kamo-cho
Phone: 077-476-2390
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The "sekibutsu no michi" is the Stone Buddha Path/Trail in the Kamo area of Kizugawa. The trail runs from Gansenji Temple to Joruriji Temple and most (but not all) of the stone Buddhas in the area are located along the trail. Some of the Buddhas are carved into actual statues while others are carved into rock. Most of them are quite old, as well, so one or two of the carved figures are less well-defined. The trail contains approximately 10 different statues/carvings. The walk itself is nice, too, as it takes you through a bit of forest and then out among the rice paddies before going toward the road and a few shops near the entrance to Joruriji Temple.
The path of course is free, and there are nice maps of the trail with the location of each Buddha pinpointed available at Gansenji Temple and one of the shops outside Joruriji Temple that you can buy for about 100 yen. It's best (in my opinion) to start the trail from Gansenji and walk towards Joruriji. The pathway seems more clear and by ending at Joruriji you can then decide to walk a bit further to see some of the other stone Buddhas that are not on the trail (including the largest one in the area) or take a bus back to the station. From JR Kamo Station, you can reach these temples by getting off at Gansenji or Joruriji-mae.
Although it's a bit out-of-the-way, it is well worth the efforts to come. It's a fun and unique experience to walk the path trying to find each stone statue, and the temples (particularly Joruriji) add a lot to the experience, as well!
Written Dec 14, 2011
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Gansenji Temple's name means "stone ship" and there is a ship-shaped stone near the entrance of the temple from which its name was derrived. It was originally commissioned by Emperor Shomu but the temple features structures from the Heian Period, Kamakura Period, and Muromachi Period. The temple grounds are nice and although I didn't go during the proper season to see them, there are hydrangeas everywhere that bloom in the summertime.
If you are doing the Sekibutsu Path (Stone Buddha Path), there is an excellent map in the temple of the path that gives the locations of each statue for 100 yen.
Entrance to the temple is 300 yen.
Written Dec 14, 2011
Address: 43 Kaminomon Gansenji Kamo-cho
Phone: 077-476-3390
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Gansenji Temple's name means "stone ship" and there is a ship-shaped stone near the entrance of the temple from which its name was derrived. It was originally...
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In the Kamo area of Kizugawa, near the border with Nara Prefecture, there is a great sekibutsu (Stone Buddha) trail. It starts at Gansenji Temple and ends at Joruriji Temple with most of the stone...
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