"Monju Tower Gate" Enmei-ji Temple, Horyuzan! The fourth place of worship in Shikoku, Chita

About 500m east of Obu Station on the Taketoyo Line, you will find Enmei-ji Temple with its imposing mountain gate. This temple was founded in the Kamakura period and was once a large temple complex with seven halls. It was burned down during the Onin War, but has remained to this day under the protection of the lord of Ogawa Castle and the Owari Domain. The mountain gate is a three-bay, one-door, gabled-roof tower gate, and is called Monju Tower Gate because a statue of Manjusri is enshrined on the upper floor. Construction began in 1836 (Tenpo 7) at the end of the Edo period and was completed in the 11th year of the same year. It was dismantled and repaired on a large scale in 1986 (Showa 61), about 150 years later. There is a Karato (opening door) in the center, and Nio statues are enshrined on both ends. The brackets on the pillars (toko = box and brackets) are also magnificent, and there are carvings of peonies, Chinese lions, elephants, and more. Usually, there is a threshold under the door, but this gate is flat and can even be driven through by car. There is a large water jar between the gate and the main hall, and the tower gate is a cultural asset designated by Aichi Prefecture and Obu City. Enmei-ji Temple on Mount Horyuu, which has a history of over 1000 years, is the fourth place of worship in Chita Shikoku. It's definitely worth a visit! #tourist spots with a sense of history #temple tour #solo travel