Temple Spots in Yamaguchi Area

  • Kozanji Temple
    rating-image
    4.0
    93 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamaguchi Pref. Shimonosekishi Choufukawabata 1-2-3
    "This is a Soto sect temple in Shimonoseki City and the statue of ""Senju Kannon Bodhisattva"" is revered as the main idol of worship. The temple was established in 1327, and was designated as a national treasure during the Kamakura period (1185–1333) as an example of Zen Buddhist architecture. It is also known as a place of many historical events. There is a statue of Takasugi Shinsaku on horseback in the precincts and the temple loved by history fans."

    It is one of the highlights of the sightseeing in Chofu. It is known as the place where Takasugi Shinsaku, an activist of anti Shogunate monument, took up arms.

  • Toko-ji Temple
    rating-image
    4.5
    101 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamaguchi Pref. Hagishi Tsubaki East 1647
    The Toko-ji Temple is a temple in Hagi City belonging to the Obaku school of Zen Buddhism; it was the Bodai-ji (family temple) of the Mori family, the lords of the Hagi Domain. The temple was built in 1691 on the orders of Mori Yoshinari, the third lord of Hagi; the tombs of the fifth, seventh, ninth and eleventh lords of Hagi, along with those of their wives and concubines, are in the Mori family graveyard within the Temple grounds. The Toko-ji Temple features several interesting examples of Chinese-style architecture, including the So-mon (main gate), the Daioho-den hall and the Shoro (bell tower), all of which have been designated as Important Cultural Properties.

    A shrine with a different perspective, hundreds of lanterns and some interesting stories to hear if you have interest about Japanese history.

  • Ryufukuji Temple
    rating-image
    4.0
    44 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamaguchi Yamaguchi-shi Odonooji 119
    "This Rinzai sect temple was constructed in 1206. Originally called ""Hoshuzan Zuiunji Temple,"" it was located in Shiraishi but was rebuilt in 1336 and became the family temple of Hironao Ouchi. The present main temple was rebuilt in 1883 after repeated being lost. As a representative temple building of the Muromachi period (1336-1573), it became a nationally-designated important cultural property in 1954. Both sides of the shrine path are lined with maple trees, and in autumn, it is famous as a spot for looking at autumn leaves because of the vividly colored tunnels formed by the trees. The site also houses the Ryufukuji Museum, which exhibits images of Yoshitaka Ouchi."

    There are quite a few temples located in this section of Yamaguchi. I found this one by looking for parking spaces and there happened to be one in front of this temple. I dont know much about the...

  • Suoukokubun-ji Temple
    rating-image
    4.0
    41 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamaguchi Pref. Houfushi Kokubunjichou 2-67
    This temple is located in Kokubunji Town, Hofu City. It is one of the Kokubunji temples built nationwide by the Imperial Order of Emperor Shomu in 741, but is rare because it is only one of few remaining in the same location as the original construction. The temple preserves Important Cultural Property Buddhist statues such as the sitting Yakushi Nyorai as its principal image as well as standing statues of Nikko Bosatsu and Gekko and the seated Amida Nyorai and Shitenno.

    国分寺ですから当然ながら奈良時代、聖武天皇の勅願により創建された寺院です。最盛期には7堂伽藍を擁していたとのことですが、とても想像出来そうにもない広さですね。楼門を潜って江戸時代に建てられた金堂を見ても大変大きいなと感じます。楼門も金堂も重要文化財です。

  • Toshun-ji Temple
    rating-image
    4.0
    37 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamaguchi Pref. Yamaguchishi Mizunouechou 5-27
    Located in the Mizunoue district of Yamaguchi City, the Toshun-ji Temple is famous as the Bodai-ji (family temple) of the warlord Mori Motanari. It was also formerly the site of the Kokusei-ji Temple built by Ouchi Morimi (a Muromachi era warlord); one remaining vestige of this older temple is the Sanmon gate, which is built in the Shikyaku-mon style (with four supporting pillars and a gabled roof), and which has been designated as an Important Cultural Property. The Toshun-ji Temple was originally constructed within Yoshida Castle in the Akinokuni domain in 1572, but was subsequently relocated several times as the regions controlled by the Mori family changed; the Temple was finally moved to its present site in 1868. Like the Sanmon gate, the Temple’s Kannon-do hall has also been designated as an Important Cultural Property; the hall, which was relocated here from the Taki-no-kannon-ji Temple (a temple associated with the Ouchi family), features beautiful Chinese-style architecture including a Katomado window and a Sankarado paneled wooden door. Worshippers at the Temple are greeted by Chief Priest “Maru”, a dog who has become a media sensation.

    瑠璃光寺がある香山公園の西隣に、洞春寺というお寺がありました。いかにも歴史を積み重ねた感じの山門が建ったいて、そこから境内に入りました。 この山門は、西暦1400ごろに建てられた国清寺というお寺の門だそうです。つまり、600年を越える年月を経ているんですね。本堂はそんなに古い感じはしませんでしたが、境内には観音堂という建物もあって、こちらも15世紀の建物だそうです。歴史感がすごいお寺でした。

  • Zuiunbanzeisan Taineigokokuzenji Temple
    rating-image
    4.0
    31 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamaguchi Pref. Nagatoshi Fukawayumoto 1074
    "This is a temple of the Soto sect of Buddhism, revering ""Shaka-nyorai"" as the main idol of worship, located in Nagato city, Yamaguchi Prefecture, and founded in 1410. It was proud of its prosperity which was said to have been the Western Koya (a famous Buddhist sacred place). It was also known as the place of the fall of the Ouchi clan which lead Yamaguchi to great wealth during the Muromachi period (1336–1573). The main hall is designated as an important cultural property of Yamaguchi Prefecture, and it is well known as a spot to view cherry blossom in spring and autumn leaves in the autumn."

    It is nice to take a walk from Yumoto Onsen to Taineiji temple. Unfortunately the season of cherry blossoms was almost gone. But still I enjoyed a serene atmosphere of this temple. In the premises...

  • The Five-storeyed Pagoda of the Ruriko-ji Temple (a National Treasure)
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamaguchi Pref. Yamaguchishi Kouzanchou 7-1 Inside of Kayama Park
    This is a five-tier pagoda located within Kozan Park in Yamaguchi City. The cypress shingled roofs of this pagoda, artistically stretching and decreasing in size, up to the highest tier make for a well-proportioned elegant tower. This pagoda is named one of the Top 3 most beautiful pagodas in Japan. Erected around 1442, at the height of the Ouchi culture, it is a masterpiece of the time, and a designated National Treasure. The tower is 31.2 meters in height. Set against the natural backdrop of each season, cherry blossoms, fall foliage, or snow, the pagoda is a picturesque sight. The night lit profile is also a must see.
  • Konpirasha Enseiji Temple
    rating-image
    4.0
    22 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamaguchi Pref. Hagishi Minamifuruhagimachi 6
    Constructed in 1254, Enseiji Temple has a torii gateway at its entrance—despite being a temple and not a shrine—and this stone torii is a city-designated Tangible Cultural Property. The temple grounds contain the Konpira-sha Hall (a Municipal Tangible Cultural Property) with its statues of the 12 zodiac signs. It is an important location, being a rare example of the syncretism between Buddhism and Shinto. The precincts also contain the rocking -horse (sacred horse) that Shinsaku Takasugi and Hirobumi Ito played with in their youth.

    公家に関係していたことから、神仏分離令がでたのちも、神社と寺院が同居している珍しい寺院であり神社です。皇女宝鏡寺宮様のご真筆の額があることで、神仏習合が認められたとのこと。 境内には十二支の彫刻が施された珍しい形式の金毘羅社があり、神仏習合の形態が見られる貴重なお寺です。高杉晋作や伊藤博文が幼少の頃に勉学に励んだことでも知られています。彼らが遊んだ木馬も今も観ることができます。 境内には大きく迫力...

  • Amidaji Temple
    rating-image
    4.0
    20 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamaguchi Pref. Houfushi Mure Kamisakamoto 1869
    This temple is in Hofu City, Yamaguchi Prefecture. Part of the Kegon sect which principally worships Amida Nyorai, this temple was built in 1187 by Chogen. Now famous for its hydrangeas, there are currently about 4,000 bushes of 80 types planted here, giving it the nickname Ajisai-ji (Hydrangea temple). Every June they hold the hydrangea festival.

    なかなか良い寺院でした。ここはあじさい寺としても有名ですが、紫陽花の季節には入山料と宝物館の入館料と両方が必要となります。通常は入山料は不要です。すでに紫陽花の季節も済んでいたのでゆっくりとがら空きの境内を拝観しました。事前に予約しておかなかったので宝物館には入れなかった。前回は予約しておいたので国宝の鉄宝塔を初めとする重文等も鑑賞出来たが・・・。仁王門の金剛力士像は鎌倉時代の快慶派の作で国の重文...

  • Ryuzoji Temple
    rating-image
    4.0
    18 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamaguchi Pref. Yamaguchishi Yoshiki 1750
    This temple on the side of Yamaguchi prefecture's Mt. Takiyama is dedicated to Amida Nyorai. The temple grounds hold a roughly 900-year-old giant gingko tree is a registered National Natural Monument. It also has Tsuzumino Falls and the apparent Sesshu-made spring pond promenade-style garden. It's known as the seventeenth temple on the Chugoku 33 Kannon pilgrimage, and is a common stop for pilgrims.

    Close to Rurikō-ji Temple but less touristy and looks old with a waterfall and rocks covered with moss.Absolutely worth a visit.

  • Daisho-in Temple
    rating-image
    4.0
    17 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamaguchi Hagi-shi Tsubaki 4132
    This Rinzai sect Nanzen-ji school temple was built in 1656. The second generation Choshu domain lord, Mori Tsunahiro, ordered it rebuilt from 1654-1656 in order to serve as the family temple, or bodaiji, for his deceased father and first generation Lord Mori Hidenari. Later, in 1747, the temple was destroyed by fire, and it was rebuilt again by the 6th generation lord Munehiro. The main temple, priest quarters, study, shoro bell gate, and kyozo archive sutra repository are all nationally designated Important Cultural Properties. The adjacent Mori clan burial site holds the graves of the even numbered generation domain lords after Hidenari, from the 2nd generation to the 12th generation, along with their families, as well as seven samurai who followed their lord Hidenari into death. The main temple was opened to the public in 2018.

    2021年11月29日に3番目に訪れた東光寺を出た私達は、東光寺から僅か10分程度で到着出来る「大照院」に向かいました。大照院に近くにつれて、太陽が沈む方向に鎮座する大照院に期待感が薄れて来ました。到着してみると、案の定、大照院の敷地全体が日陰になっていて、例え紅葉が綺麗でも映える事はあり得ないなって思ったものでした。大照院の正面の左手には黄色く色付いた紅葉がありましたが、陽があたってない分、綺麗...

  • Kanyoji Temple
    rating-image
    4.5
    13 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamaguchi Pref. Shunanshi Kanokami 2872
    This temple is part of the Nanzen-ji Temple of Rinzai Sect, and is the 15th on the Chugoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage. It is famous for its Kyokusui Garden, designed by a famous garden designer Shigemori Mirei. They also hold events like Special Evening Visit days, when crowds of guests come to see the beautiful gardens and Kanyo-ji temple lit up with bamboo lanterns.

    山奥の里にある立派なお寺、という感じ。そこそこの大きさの駐車場があり、お寺の横まで車でも心配なく行くことができた。石を使った造形の庭がすばらしく、特に400円を納めて見せていただいた本堂周りのお庭は、岩、石、潮音洞から流れ出る疎水の水を幾枝にも分けて引き入れた小川のハーモニーが絶妙で、幾種類もの違った感じの庭が楽しめた。昭和以降に造成された庭のようだが、枯山水、池泉、各様式が融合したこれぞ日本庭園...

  • Fugenji Temple
    rating-image
    3.5
    9 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamaguchi Hikari-shi Murozumi 8-6-1
    "An ancient Buddhist temple founded in the year 1006. Since long ago faithful from all over the country have believed in it as the ""Bodhisattva of the Sea."" The inner part of the temple grounds has a dry landscape garden with skillfully harmonized trees and stones which is said to have been created by Sesshu. It's renowned because it was made during the period when dry landscape garden construction began in earnest. It has been designated as a prefectural Place of Scenic Beauty. In 1865 it served as the headquarters for the Choshu Domain troops known as the South Kihei Army as the Tokugawa period drew to a close; it's famous for being the place where about 400 soldiers met their ends."

    大きな仁王門があり、お堀に囲まれた立派なお寺。お寺だけでなく、戦前の国際連盟の脱退や日独伊三国同盟で有名な外交官(このあたりの生まれ)松岡洋右の顕彰碑がお寺の裏の方にひっそりと建っていた。また、お寺の裏の駐車場の近くには、峨嵋山の自然探求歩道の入り口があった。お寺の隣には雪舟の庭園と言われる枯山水の庭園があったが、100円を箱に入れて見ることができた。この庭に入る前に警備システムが監視音を発してい...

  • Rurikoji Temple
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamaguchi Pref. Yamaguchishi Kouzanchou 7-1
    This Soto Zen Buddhist temple was founded in 1471. It was reportedly built by Sue Hirofusa's wife to honor him after his passing. Originally called Anyoji Temple, the name later changed to Rurikoji Temple. It was relocated to its present spot in 1604 from Nihotakano in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The five-story pagoda on the precincts is considered to be the tenth oldest outdoor structure in Japan. There are also many historic spots from the time of the Meiji Restoration, like the tomb of Mori Takachika, the feudal lord during the period.
  • Ryumonji Temple
    rating-image
    3.5
    5 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamaguchi Shunan-shi Nagaho 1075-1
    This famous Soto sect temple was established in 1429. Morimasa, the fifth generation of the Sue clan, established this temple as a family temple and enshrined the Sue clan, who were vassals of the Ouchi clan in the Muromachi period (1336-1573). The location of Morimasa's tomb is no longer known, but there are many other memorial sites, such as the Sue clan's Japanese stone pagoda and five-ringed pagoda. The Nembutsu Odori, a traditional performing art handed down in the temple, was once danced as a memorial service to the Sue clan and eventually changed into a dance to pray for rain and was passed down as an intangible folk cultural property of the prefecture. The city has a special-order tea kettle, an important cultural property designated by the city, and the history of the area is being passed down to the present day.

    This place totally rocks. I can recommend Ryumonji to anyone. Long time practitioner or just curious. Beautiful setting and a nice atmosphere.

  • Nison-in Temple
    rating-image
    4.0
    4 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamaguchi Nagato-shi Yuyamukatsukushimo 3539
    "There is a legend that Lady Yang, one of the three most beautiful women in the world, got on a small boat and drifted to this temple after escaping from disaster. On the grounds overlooking Yuya Bay in the inner sea, the Five Ring Pagoda, which is said to be the Tomb of Lady Yang"" and the two principal object of worship statues of Buddha (a standing image of Amitabha Buddha and a standing image of Shakyamuni Buddha) enshrined to pray for the repose of Lady Yang's soul are enshrined. The plum trees bloom in March and the yokihi-zakura cherry blossoms in April each year, and the temple is said to be for the protection of women, safe delivery, fertility and marriage. Yuya Bay, which can be seen from the temple, is also known as a spot for touring and dates because of the beautiful sunset."

    山口油谷湾の小さな集落に楊貴妃のお墓と伝承されるスポットがあります。その謂われは綿々と心打たれるもので、なるほどこれが楊貴妃のお墓かもと思わせるモノがあります。この伝承の中でこのお寺さんも改名したそうです。 平日であったこともあり、訪れていたのは私一人。散歩に来ていた地元の方からお寺の説明を聞かせて頂きました。中華風の建物や大理石の楊貴妃像など異国情緒も目を引きました。

  • Myokengu Jutoji Temple
    rating-image
    3.0
    1 Reviews
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamaguchi Kudamatsu-shi Naka 1-10-15
    A Buddhist temple located in 1 Chome, Nakaichi, Kudamatsu City. It's an ancient temple honored as the guardian deity of the Ouchi clan, whose influence in Yamaguchi Prefecture expanded until the Sengoku period. Temple lore says it was built by Rinsho Taishi, the founder of the Ouchi clan. Daikokuten (one of the Seven Lucky Gods) is also enshrined, and the Daikoku Market is held there annually on January 7th.

    真言宗御室派の寺院でしたが、寺号の先には鳥居が立ち、参道先の山門もまるで神社のように見えてしまいました。正面の本堂以外にもお堂が立ち、広い境内の中には境内社も立つ事から神仏習合時代の名残のように見受けられました。

  • Yamaguchi Xavier Memorial Church
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamaguchi Pref. Yamaguchishi Kameyamachou 4-1
    A Catholic church located in Yamaguchi City. The church was built in 1952 to commemorate 400 years since the missionary Francis Xavier came to Yamaguchi to proselytize. The original church building was destroyed in a fire; the current reconstruction was erected in 1998. The church's two steeples, more than 50 meters tall, are a Yamaguchi City landmark.
  • Myoseiji Temple
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamaguchi Shimonoseki-shi Toyouracho Kawatana 5192
    A Buddhist temple located in Kawatana, Toyoura-cho, Shimonoseki City. It was founded in 1416 by Ouchi Mochimori, the deputy military governor of Nagato Province. The principal object of worship is an image of Kanzeon Bodhisattva that temple lore says was made by the priest Gyoki. There is a garden on the precincts created by the Muromachi period ink painter Sesshu where you can admire azaleas and other flowers. Wisteria grow naturally at the pond adjacent to the temple, and in early May you can enjoy the beautiful view of the flowers dangling down towards the surface as carp swim below.
  • Akaibo-Toba (Tahoto) Pagoda
    Travel / Tourism
    Yamaguchi Kudamatsu-shi Hanaoka
    A tahoto pagoda on the precincts of Hanaoka Hachimangu Shrine in Hanaoka Ebisu-cho, Kudamatsu City. It is said to be one of the 16 Pagodas of Hachimangu Shrine built by Fujiwara no Kamatari. The pagoda you see today is presumed to have been built at the end of the Muromachi period. It is 13.7 meters high, double-storied, and has a shingled roof. It's been designated a national Important Cultural Property.

Yamaguchi Areas

around-area-map

Heading west along Japan’s largest island, Honshu, the very last prefecture you’ll reach is Yamaguchi, separated from Kyushu by a small strip of water known as the Kanmon Straits, which the far-reaching harbor city Shimonoseki looks over. With water at every turn, the seafood of Yamaguchi is an indisputable highlight, and we’re not talking just the usual fish dishes - the notorious fugu, or puffer fish, is a Japanese delicacy that was discovered in Yamaguchi prefecture, making it the best place to try it out.

Yamaguchi Photo Album

Browse Interests