Raizan Sennyo-ji Daihio-in Temple, located on the mountainside of Mount Raizan at an altitude of 955m in Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture, is an ancient temple of the Daikakuji school of Shingon Buddhism. It is said to have been opened by Gyoki Bosatsu in 742, and it has attracted the faith of many people since ancient times as a sacred place of mountain worship.
History of Raizan Sennyo-ji Daihio-in Temple
After Gyoki Bosatsu opened the temple, Kobo Daishi Kukai also visited this place and is said to have practiced asceticism. Later, during the Kamakura period, it was revived by Seika Shonin, who returned from Song China, and at its peak, it became a major training center with 12 monk’s quarters and more than 300 monks.
Highlights of Raizan Sennyo-ji Daihio-in Temple
- Daihio-in Hall: The main hall built in 1752 by Lord Tsugutaka Kuroda, the lord of the Fukuoka Domain. It is designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
- Wooden Standing Statue of Senju Kannon: The main enshrined deity enshrined at Daihio-in Hall. It is a huge statue about 4.8m in height and is estimated to have been made in the late Kamakura period. It is designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
- Wooden Seated Statue of Seika Shonin: A seated statue of Seika Shonin, which is said to have been made during the Kamakura period. It is designated as a National Important Cultural Property.
- Byakushin (Chinese Juniper): A huge tree, which is said to be about 600 years old, designated as a natural monument of Fukuoka Prefecture. It is also known for emitting an elegant aroma.
- Autumn Foliage: In the fall, the entire precincts, including a large maple tree that is approximately 400 years old, are vividly colored and crowded with many worshipers.
Basic Information about Raizan Sennyo-ji Daihio-in Temple
| Item | Content |
| Address | 626 Raizan, Itoshima City, Fukuoka Prefecture 819-1145 |
| Phone Number | 092-323-3547 |
| Viewing Hours | 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Admission Fee | 400 yen (including 100 yen entrance fee) |
| Parking | Available (150 spaces) |
| Access | Car: About 20 minutes from JR Chikuhi Line “Chikuzen-Maebaru Station” Bus: About 30 minutes by Showa Bus bound for “Raizan Kannon-mae” from JR Chikuhi Line “Chikuzen-Maebaru Station,” get off at the “Raizan Kannon-mae” bus stop and it’s right there |
Raizan Sennyo-ji Daihio-in Temple is a silent place of prayer embraced by the nature-rich Mount Raizan. Please visit and spend a peaceful time while feeling history and nature.