How did a simple spring become the heart of Ryūzōin Temple? We’re standing before Ryūzōin Temple, a place steeped in legend and history. The story goes back to 1589. A powerful feudal lord named Mori Terumoto was passing by Mount Ushi. He stopped by a spring for a moment of peace. Legend has it that a vision of Kannon, the Buddhist deity of mercy, appeared from the spring. This event led to the founding of Ryūzōin Temple on this very spot. The temple became a center of devotion for the Mori clan. Even today, on the 1st and 16th of each month, special Buddhist services are held at Ryūzōin Temple, keeping the tradition alive. What makes Ryūzōin even more interesting is its unique connection to the Cheonbulism religion. Ryūzōin Temple became a base for Korean Cheonbulism missionaries in the early 2000s. They even established the Ryūzōin Depsun Goman School of Japan, a seminary, within the temple. This intertwining of faiths makes Ryūzōin a fascinating example of religious diversity and exchange.
芸州廿日市御本陣旧跡
“A castle built on the plain?” you might ask. “Isn’t that a bit…exposed?” And indeed, the Hiroshima Gokoku Jinja, the