Beneath a canopy of ancient trees stands Muryoji Temple. It is a place where serenity whispers on the breeze. Muryoji Temple offers a journey into Japan’s spiritual heartland. This temple has a story etched in every stone.
Muryoji Temple is more than just a temple. It’s a sanctuary. It stands on Mt. Muro. The temple has drawn the devoted for hundreds of years. It has limited access because of its extremely remote location.
Muryoji Temple earned the nickname “woman’s Koyasan”. This name came from the famous men-only monastery on Koyasan. Muryoji welcomes monks of many denominations. During the Kamakura Period, Muryoji began accepting female worshippers. Around 80% of its visitors are female even today.
Muroji is well known for its beautiful spring flowers. The temple is awash with glorious pink blooms at the peak of the rhododendron season. Worship is in its nature here. The dense forest surrounds you. It will strike any visitor with its beauty. The wooden temple structures blend in well with the surrounding woodland.
Muro-ji was founded over a millennium ago. The now-mythologized mystic En-no-Gyoja founded it. Kukai refurbished the temple. He founded his Shingon Buddhism enclave atop Mt. Koya. Muro-ji became a tributary temple to Kofuku-ji. This connection to one of Nara’s principal properties continued for centuries.
The Muro-ji temple complex pays homage to the dragon god Ryujin. The Emperor of Japan came to Muro-ji to worship. He prayed for ample rains for a good harvest. Ryuketsu Shrine is located one kilometer from the main compound. It is said to be one of the homes of the dragon deity. Ryujin is said to be able to bring the rains.
Ninja of nearby Iga used the Muro-ji temple complex as training grounds. This hilly part of Japan was favored by the ninja to hone their skills. It was a great place for shinobi to practice in secret.
The five-storied pagoda suffered major damage in a 1998 typhoon. A falling tree struck it. It was restored over the following two years. The pagoda is the tiniest five-story pagoda in Japan. It is one of the oldest standing wooden pagodas in all of Japan. The spire was built around the start of the 9th century. Muryoji holds a number of National Treasures. You can see the statue of the eleven-faced Kannon. There is also a wooden statue of Shaka Nyorai.
The Kon-do is also a structure that has stood the test of time. The building dates from the early Heian period. It is a National Treasure of Japan. Inside of the ancient Kon-do, you’ll find an arrangement of Buddhist statues. There are five large halo-backed statues. There are twelve smaller figures in front.
Muryoji Temple is not just a destination. It’s an experience. It is a place where history, nature, and spirituality converge. As you leave Muryoji Temple may its tranquility linger in your heart.