Kabusan-ji Temple

This temple is known as the first sacred site in Japan where Bishamonten (Bishamonten) was enshrined. This temple is also famous for its autumn foliage.

The origin of this temple is said to be the enshrinement of Bishamonten by Enno Shokaku (En no Gyoja) in 697, and the temple was founded in 774 by Prince Kaisei, son of Emperor Konin.

With seven halls, 21 monasteries and priests’ quarters, and a temple estate of 1,300 koku (1,300 koku) in the Edo period, Kominesan-ji Temple was a place of worship for the emperor and was considered one of the seven high mountains along with Mount Hiei and Mount Katsuragi as a sacred place for Buddhism.

It was one of the seven high mountains along with Mt. Hiei and Mt. Katsuragi as a sacred place for Buddhism. The temple prospered with many donations from emperors and Ashikaga Yoshimitsu, the third shogun of the Muromachi Shogunate.

The main hall of the temple houses the main image of Bishamonten, one of the oldest statues in Japan of the god of luck and good fortune, as well as standing statues of Sho-Kannon Bosatsu and Amida Nyorai. All are nationally important cultural properties.

In the fall, approximately 300 maple trees turn brilliant colors, and the 400 year-old tree, a married couple, is particularly spectacular.

The Shinpusan-ji Temple belongs to the Osaka Prefectural Hokusetsu Nature Park, and the entire area is collectively called Mt. The primeval forest still exists, and the approach to the temple is lined with kanbokake, which are believed to mark the boundary between the sacred and secular worlds.

Statues of Yaku Shokaku, the founder of the temple, and Prince Kaisei, the founder of the Chukyo sect, are enshrined in the temple grounds, and the close relationship with the imperial family can be seen in the 168 chrysanthemum crest and other symbols.

Once part of the Shugen Sacred Ground called Shichitaka-yama, there are paths and waterfalls used by Shugenja and stone markers indicating the Mount Katsuragi (Mt. Kongo) far worship place scattered throughout the grounds.

A mixture of Shinto and Buddhist customs is still preserved in the area, including a stone torii gate at the entrance to the approach to Mt.

In the early Heian period (794-1185), the temple was designated by the Imperial Household as a place of prayer for national security.

From the end of the Kamakura period (1185-1333), the shrine became an object of worship for warlords who prayed for good fortune and victory, and during the Edo period (1603-1868), it was also a place of pilgrimage for Osaka merchants who prayed for prosperous business.

It is said that prayers for the safety of the nation continued to be made even at the end of the Edo period and during the Meiji period.

The area is home to many wild birds, plants, and flowers, and is visited not only by worshippers but also by hikers and birdwatchers.

Among the wild birds are the red-flanked bluetail, wood thrush, sasiba, woodpecker, woodpeckers, bush warbler, Japanese bush warbler, oriole, and Japanese nightingale. The more than 90 species of plants and trees in the park include more than 90 species of birds and animals.

In addition, more than 90 species of trees and 50,000 plants of 180 species inhabit the vegetation, including mukunoki, zelkova, holly, camellia japonica, Japanese honeysuckle, narcissus, kinsei orchid, gentian, and kiku.

The best time to view the autumn leaves is usually from late November to early December, and there are approximately 400 maple trees on the grounds. The entire mountain is covered with deciduous trees, and by the end of November, the entire mountain is covered with autumn leaves, creating a very beautiful sight.