Beneath the serene Osaka sky sits the enchanting Jikoji Temple. It is a place where history and tranquility intertwine. The temple’s story is one of demons, monks, and tea ceremonies. Are you ready to explore?
Jikoji Temple is an ancient temple linked to Engyoja. Legend says that 1300 years ago, a demon couple terrorized travelers along the Dark Pass. En no Gyōji, a Buddhist monk, converted them. He built Jikoji Temple on this very land. Thus, Jikoji became its name.
The temple grounds have become Osaka Prefecture’s scenic beauty spot. Imagine the spring door-opening ceremony on the third Saturday in March. Two people dressed as a blue oni and a red oni accompany an ascetic monk up the stone steps. A similar door-closing ceremony happens on the third Saturday in September.
Jikoji Temple’s connection to tea is also significant. Jikoin Temple in Nara Prefecture was specifically designed in the 17th century for tea ceremonies. Mr. Jyokun Ozeki, Head Priest of Jikoin Temple, shares his knowledge of this art form. He says the temple was established in 1663 by Sekishu Katagiri as a large tearoom. The oldest remaining tea ceremony temple in Japan.
The path from the entrance gate through the woods builds anticipation. Guests emerge into the main compound. The main hall is simple in design, like a traditional farmhouse. The garden is full of local trees creating a calming sea of green. Open partitions let in the breeze and sounds of nature for a total sensory experience.
During the Edo period guests stayed all day at tea gatherings. The host planned everything in great detail. Different rooms were used and different styles of tea, beverages and food were served. Guests relaxed enjoying the garden and conversation. Smaller tearooms created an intimate and subdued atmosphere. The day delivered omotenashi, or wholehearted hospitality. The host considered each guest’s comfort.
Tea first arrived in Japan from China in the ninth century. Temples in Nara provided tea to visitors as medicine. Tea became popular among the aristocracy in the 12th-15th centuries. By the 16th century, it was fashionable among wealthy townsfolk in Osaka Prefecture. Sen no Rikyu, from Sakai, created a new approach combining tea culture, Zen Buddhism, simplicity and respect.
The Sekishu-style of tea originated at Jikoin. It was a style enjoyed by the Tokugawa warrior class. They studied tea as part of their training in self-discipline. Jikoin’s founder created the whole site as a tool for tea. The ability to engage with guests is also important. Like the merchants in Sakai, the host should talk with their guests.
Jikoji Temple offers a unique sensory experience. You can walk through the maple trees or attend a tea ceremony. It is open until 17:00 and there is no admission fee. You can access it from Hiraoka Station or Nukata Station. The address is 1823 Higashitoyoura-cho, Higashiosaka-shi, Osaka.