Uzumasa area in Kyoto, where Koryu-ji temple stands, was inhabited in ancient times by the Hata clan, who were foreign settlers from China. The Hata clan had long lived here before 794, when Kyoto became the Capital of Japan after Nara, to be engaged in sericulture, weaving and brewing. According to Nihon-Shoki, the official chronicles of Japan at that time, Hata-no-Kanekatsu who was the chief of the clan in the 6th century built this temple. However, as this temple was totally destroyed by the fire in 818, the detailed documents at that time were gone. Anyway, this temple had long been worshipped as the main family temple of the clan since. Among many Buddhist images , a few national treasures included, which are enshrined here, Miroku Bosatsu Hanka Shiyui statue (Maitreya Bodhisattva sitting contemplatively in the half-lotus position) is one of the most important Buddhist images in Japan. This image is widely known throughout Japan, because it is introduced in a history textbook for high schools.
Licensed tour guide, travel consultant,
Masahisa Takaki.
全国通訳案内士 高木聖久。
