Reiko-Ji is the only remaining temple building in Tachikue Gorge. When the area was a stronghold of Shugendo there were many more.
The large Owaraji (straw sandals) are a common offering at temples and shrines, but as far as I can remember this is the only shimenawa I've seen adorning a temple building. I've been unable to find out why.
In 852 a monk discovered a statue of Yakushi Nyorai, the healing buddha, on the back of a giant blue turtle. He removed the statue and placed it in a nearby cave. The Emperor, on hearing the story, founded the temple, so it was probably a Shingon temple originally.
Now it belongs to the Soto Zen sect. Home to more than 1,500 statues, Tachikue Gorge is located 8k south of Izumo City on the Kando River
Great story and fantastic photos
ReplyDeletethanks!
It is interesting to see Swastika [photo #3]
ReplyDeleteI guess it remains widely used in religions such as Buddhism.
on a map it is the symbol for a temple.
ReplyDeletehello, i love your style of photos.it is very refreshing to see those common things here in japan turned into something more beautiful and more meaningful with you magic! i got your beautiful site linked to facebook if you dont mind.take care.
ReplyDeleteCan a foreign tourist have a japanese tea ceremony in reiko-ji temple?
ReplyDelete