The origin of this Buddhist temple is thought to be a shrine built on a sloping ground near present site in the 9th century. Since then, several affiliated buildings had been added and it became a full-scale Buddhist temple. The original shrine was destroyed by a typhoon in 1335 though, it was reconstructed soon after that. The old building in the first picture is the very reconstructed one. This is the oldest shrine in Tokyo, and is designated as an important cultural asset together with adjacent 'Nio-mon' gate. This Buddhist temple was worshipped by the masses as a god of fire prevention in the feudal years. The temple grounds lying on the hill, the total area of which is a million square meters, is beautifully covered with a variety of wild hydrangeas every June as shown in the second picture.
Licensed tour guide, travel consultant,
Masahisa Takaki
全国通訳案内士 高木聖久。
