[2025 Kurashiki Attraction] Travel Guide for Kanryuji Temple (Updated Jun)

Witnessing the Separation and Integration of Shingon Buddhism and Shintoism Kōryū-ji Temple boasts a history of over a thousand years, originally located in the Nishio area of Kurashiki City, under the name Hokutozan Hōshaku-in. During the Muromachi period, it was relocated to Tsurugata Mountain, and later, in the first year of the Kan'ei era (1624), it moved to its current location. In the era of syncretism between Buddhism and Shintoism, Kōryū-ji served as a bettō-ji (a temple attached to a shrine) for Achi Shrine. After the separation of Buddhism and Shintoism, it gradually established its independent status. Due to its dedication to Myōken Bosatsu, it was once called Myōkenzan. Today, it is a special head temple of the Omuro branch of Shingon Buddhism, watching over the Kurashiki area and serving as a spiritual sanctuary. Speaking of Shingon Buddhism, the story begins with Kūkai, a monk who studied in Tang China and returned to Japan to spread his teachings, which became known as Tōmitsu. Over time, Shingon Buddhism evolved into eighteen sects, collectively referred to as the Shingon Eighteen Head Temples. The Omuro branch's head is Emperor Uda, with Ninna-ji Temple in Kyoto serving as its main temple. Returning to Kōryū-ji, visitors must ascend the stairs next to the Tsurugata Mountain Tunnel to reach the temple. The temple exudes a serene and solemn atmosphere, unlike the bustling temples of Kyoto. The main hall was rebuilt during the mid-Edo period, and its roof tiles, adorned with designs of gentian and chrysanthemum, are 250 years old. Uniquely, Yakushi Nyorai, Jizō Bosatsu, and Konrin Tenno each have their own small structures for worship, differing from the typical side halls found in other Buddhist temples. Under the warm sunlight, visitors can offer prayers, immerse themselves in the tranquil surroundings, and engage in self-reflection—perhaps this is a form of Zen. 📍Address: 〒710-0055 Okayama Prefecture, Kurashiki City, Achi 2-chome 25-22 🚗 Accessible by a 15-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station

Myoken-gu Shrine is located within the precincts of a temple in Kurashiki. Originally, Kanryu-ji Temple was the betto temple (a temple managing a shrine) of Myoken-gu. Myoken-gu has gone through various changes, including the separation of Shinto and Buddhism, to become what it is today. It is located immediately to the right after entering the mountain gate. The main hall can be seen up close by proceeding to the left of the torii gate and going up the stairs. Name: Myoken-gu (Myoken Hall) Location: Kanryu-ji Temple Address: 2-25-22 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture Access: About a 10-minute walk from JR Kurashiki Station Admission: Free Visit Date: June 2024

Located on top of a crane-shaped mountain, it was also introduced as a spot where you can get a panoramic view of the scenic area. It is a temple of the Omuro school of Shingon Buddhism. ✱----------------------------------------------- [Name] Kanryuji Temple [Location] 2-25-22 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture [Access] Approximately 10 minutes on foot from JR Kurashiki Station [Admission Fee] Free Visit Date: June 2024 -----------------------------------------------✱ #Okayama #Okayama Tourism #Kurashiki #Kurashiki Bikan District #Photo Spot #Tourism #Recommended #Chugoku Tourism #Kanryuji Temple #A Place to Feel History #A Trip to Experience History and Culture

It was founded in 985. The main hall is at the back on the left after climbing the stone steps and entering the mountain gate. Dainichi Nyorai is enshrined here, but you cannot usually enter inside. There are spear scars on the mountain gate, so you can feel the history of the temple. ✱----------------------------------------------- [Name] Kanryuji Temple [Location] 2-25-22 Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture [Access] About 10 minutes on foot from JR Kurashiki Station [Admission Fee] Free Visit Date: June 2024 [Kanryuji Temple is a temple of the Omuro school of Shingon Buddhism located in Achi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture. The mountain name is Hojuzan. The temple rank is a special head temple. -----------------------------------------------✱ #Okayama #Okayama Tourism #Kurashiki #Kurashiki Bikan District #Photo Spot #Tourism #Recommended #Travel to Experience History and Culture #Places to Feel History #China Tourism