延命寺

Lost in the mountainous tranquility of Kawachinagano City sits Enmeiji Temple. It’s a world away from Osaka’s bustling streets. Yet, Enmeiji holds a connection to the city’s vibrant past. Legend says the temple began during the Konin era of the Heian period. Picture Kobo Daishi, a revered Buddhist monk, on a pilgrimage. He stops in this serene area. He enshrines a Jizo Bodhisattva. This simple act sparks the temple’s humble beginnings. Enmeiji wouldn’t reach its current grandeur until the Edo period. A priest named Jogon, born in this very place, revitalized Enmeiji. He renamed it Yakushuzan Enmeiji. Jogon gained the trust of the fifth shogun, Tsunayoshi. His influence even led to the establishment of Reiun-ji Temple in Edo (now Tokyo). Jogon lived a life of modest means, dedicated to the Buddhist precepts. Enmeiji houses two national treasures: the Kabutsu Tennai-in Mandala and a Seiryoji-style Standing Statue of Shakyamuni Nyorai. But perhaps Enmeiji’s most striking feature is the “Evening Sun Maple”. This magnificent tree, over 1,000 years old, is a designated natural monument of Osaka Prefecture. Legend claims Kobo Daishi planted it himself. The name “Evening Sun Maple” comes from the breathtaking sight of the tree against the setting sun in autumn. Years ago, a typhoon ravaged the tree, splitting it in two. Despite this, the resilient roots held firm. The maple survived, now growing in two directions, a testament to the enduring spirit of Enmeiji. Come autumn, the temple grounds transform. A vibrant tapestry of red, yellow, and orange leaves adorns the landscape, making Enmeiji a true hidden gem.