Okayama | The Tranquil and Secluded Kōryū-ji Temple

Witnessing the Separation and Integration of Shingon Buddhism and Shintoism Kōryū-ji Temple boasts a history of over a thousand years, originally located in the Nishio area of Kurashiki City, under the name Hokutozan Hōshaku-in. During the Muromachi period, it was relocated to Tsurugata Mountain, and later, in the first year of the Kan'ei era (1624), it moved to its current location. In the era of syncretism between Buddhism and Shintoism, Kōryū-ji served as a bettō-ji (a temple attached to a shrine) for Achi Shrine. After the separation of Buddhism and Shintoism, it gradually established its independent status. Due to its dedication to Myōken Bosatsu, it was once called Myōkenzan. Today, it is a special head temple of the Omuro branch of Shingon Buddhism, watching over the Kurashiki area and serving as a spiritual sanctuary. Speaking of Shingon Buddhism, the story begins with Kūkai, a monk who studied in Tang China and returned to Japan to spread his teachings, which became known as Tōmitsu. Over time, Shingon Buddhism evolved into eighteen sects, collectively referred to as the Shingon Eighteen Head Temples. The Omuro branch's head is Emperor Uda, with Ninna-ji Temple in Kyoto serving as its main temple. Returning to Kōryū-ji, visitors must ascend the stairs next to the Tsurugata Mountain Tunnel to reach the temple. The temple exudes a serene and solemn atmosphere, unlike the bustling temples of Kyoto. The main hall was rebuilt during the mid-Edo period, and its roof tiles, adorned with designs of gentian and chrysanthemum, are 250 years old. Uniquely, Yakushi Nyorai, Jizō Bosatsu, and Konrin Tenno each have their own small structures for worship, differing from the typical side halls found in other Buddhist temples. Under the warm sunlight, visitors can offer prayers, immerse themselves in the tranquil surroundings, and engage in self-reflection—perhaps this is a form of Zen. 📍Address: 〒710-0055 Okayama Prefecture, Kurashiki City, Achi 2-chome 25-22 🚗 Accessible by a 15-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station