Temple sights in Western Honshū
- Sort by:
- Popular
-
A
Tōkō-ji
East of the river, near Shōin-jinja, stands pretty Zen Tōkō-ji, built in 1691 and home to the tombs of five Mōri lords. The stone walkways on the hillside behind the temple are flanked by almost 500 stone lanterns, which were erected by the lords' servants.
reviewed
-
Iō-ji
Around the harbour and inland slightly from the Ōta Residence are a dozen or so temples. Up a steep hill to the west of the harbour, Iō-ji was reputedly founded by Kōbō Daishi in the 900s. A path leads from the temple to the top of a bluff, from where there are more great views.
reviewed
-
Fukuzenji
Close to the ferry pier, this temple dates back to the 10th century. Adjoining it is Taichōrō, built in the 1690s. This is where you go for a classic view out across a narrow channel to the uninhabited island of Benten- jima, and its shrine.
reviewed
-
B
Daishō-in
Just south of town at the foot of Mt Misen, Daishō-in is a worthwhile stopping point on the way up or down the mountain. This hingon temple is crowded with interesting things to look at: from Buddhist images and prayer wheels to sharp-beaked tengu (bird-like demons) and a cave containing images from each of the 88 Shikoku pilgrimage temples.
reviewed
-
C
Daigan-ji
Miyajima has several important Buddhist temples, including the 1201 Daigan-ji, just south of the shrine, which dates back to the Heian period and is dedicated to Benzaiten, the Japanese name for Saraswati (the Hindu goddess of good fortune). The seated image of Yakushi Nyorai here is said to have been carved by Kōbō Daishi.
reviewed