Dotted with interconnecting groves of trees Kanshinji Temple has deep ties to Kusunoki Masashige. He is a hero of southern Kawachi. The temple holds numerous national treasures and cultural properties. You can see its famed Nyoirin Kannon bodhisattva statue and Kindo golden hall.
Kanshinji is an ancient temple of the Mt Koya sect of Shingon Buddhism. It sits where the three prefectures of Osaka Nara and Wakayama converge. People believe legendary mystic En no Gyoja founded it in the year 701.
Later in 815 the monk Kukai restored it. Kukai is known posthumously as the bodhisattva Kobo Daishi. At its founding it was known as Reishinji Temple. It was renamed Kanshinji for the principal object of worship. This was enshrined upon its restoration. It is a statue of the bodhisattva Kannon sculpted by Kukai.
This statue is a national treasure. It is only viewable by the public for two days each year. These days are April 17th and 18th. The temple grounds are also home to graves. These graves belong to disciples of Kobo Daishi and the 97th emperor of Japan. Kusunoki Masashige and other prominent figures are also buried here.
Kanshin-ji Temple is renowned as a beautiful location. People come to view cherry blossom plum blossom and autumn foliage. It is one of the 25 floral holy sites of the Kansai region. It is the 13th holy site on the new Western Japan pilgrimage. It is also on the ancient Buddhist tower pilgrimage.
Kanshin-ji Temple is popular among local people. This is for its year-round beauty and unique architecture. Kanshin-ji’s most active time came 500 years after its founding in the 9th century. The temple grounds were extensively renovated. The renowned samurai Kusunoki Masashige renovated them. He was born nearby and studied at the temple in his youth.
He died a heroic death at the Battle of Minatogawa. He led a charge of just a few hundred warriors. They fought against several thousand enemies. After the battle his head was sent to Kanshin-ji temple. It was buried in a special grave called a kubi-zuka. Kusunoki is the only samurai honored with a statue at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
At the back of the temple a long flight of steps ascends. The steps lead into the trees. They lead to the eerily silent Hinoo-no-misasagi. This is the grave of Emperor Go-Murakami. He led the Southern Court during the Nanboku-cho period. This period pitted two rival branches of the Imperial Household against each other.
Kanshin-ji temple is perfect for nature and history lovers. It has a heady mix of plum cherry blossom and maple trees. They surround many monuments dating back over 1000 years. It is also home to a number of registered national treasures. The most well-known of these is its Kondo. This main hall is built in a unique style. It blends Japanese Chinese and Indian Buddhist architecture.
The grounds are a pleasant place to stroll around. Kanshin-ji also offers classes in shakyo. This is copying Buddhist sutras by hand. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this treasure trove of history and beauty.