Takano-Ji inside

Inside Takano-Ji is like stepping into another world. The ceiling is painted with bright murals of dragons.

All the colums and architectural details are also brightly painted.

If this was in Kyoto there would be a hefty entrance fee and crowds of people.

Above the main altar a huge mandala.

There are some amazing statues. I think this must be one of the Shitenno, the four heavenly kings.

There is also a collection of paintings.

One could easily spend hours taking it all in.

Takano-Ji above

Takano-Ji, founded almost 1200 years ago, is also known as Iwami Koyasan, as the kanji for takanoji can also be read that way.

It's one of my favorite temples, partly due to the fact that it is so far off the beaten track that it is always quiet.

There are lots more statues up around the main hall, and a sign commemorating that here was a huge, magnificent bell until it was melted down to make cannons. This bell links Takano-Ji with my own village through the Enko legend.

When I first saw the covered walkway that climbs the hill from the priests quarters to the main hall I thought "wow" the peasants get to climb in the rain but the priests are protected", but of course it is not the priest whi is protected but the sacred things he carries.

There are some wonderful carvings of dragons on the outside of the main hall, with outspread wings, something I've not seen elsewhere.

There are some nice views down from the main hall. Behind it a path goes to the mountaintop where there is a small shrine, and half way up a small building where Kukai supposedly spent time.

The real surprise of Takano-Ji though is to be found inside.

Takano-Ji below

Takano-Ji is a wonderful old mountain temple in the middle of nowhere just north of where I live. Its not on any main roads, and only has a small handpainted sign pointing to it.

The 2 Nio guarding the entrance to the temple are not intricately carved, but quite vivid.

The temple was founded in 814, and legend has it that Kobo Daishi himself spent time at this spot. Of course, according to legends Kobo Daishi managed to be in six places at once performing miracles the length and breadth of Japan, so I havent been able to confirm if he really was here.

Largely due to its isolation, I think, the temple is quite atmospheric.

There are statues dotted around all over the place.

The priests house is quite old and very traditional. Buddhist priests often get to live in some remarkable places.

The main hall of the temple is higher up the mountainside, about 160 steps higher up!