This Buddhist temple, standing on the flat and wide mountaintop of Mt. Koya, Wakayama Prefecture, was built in 1211 to pray for the repose of Minamoto-no-Yoritomo's soul. He was the first shogun of Japan's first samurai government based in Kamakura, Kanagawa Prefecture. It is said that "Eisai", a very well-known priest of high standing who founded Japan's Rinzai Sect of Zen Buddhism, was invited to the founding ceremony of this temple. This temple had become the family temple of Minamotos ever since, and also had played an important role as one of the central temples in Koyasan area. "Tahoto" two-storied tower in the picture, built in 1223, is Japan's second oldest tahoto tower still existing today, and is designated as a National Treasure.
Licensed tour guide, travel consultant,
Masahisa Takaki.
全国通訳案内士 高木聖久。
