Todaiji Betsuin Amidaji Temple

Shunjobo Chogen, the great monk who was responsible for the reconstruction of Todaiji Temple, which was destroyed by fire in 1180 A.D. (4th year of Jishō), was the founder of the Suo Province in 1186 A.D. (2nd year of Bunji). As a result, he moved to Hofu, where Suo Kokufu was located. Amida-ji Temple was built by Chogen Shonin in 1187 (Bunji 3) to pray for Cloistered Emperor Goshirakawa's peace in his present life, and as one of the seven temples that served as a base for the reconstruction of Todai-ji Temple and religious activities. Approximately 4,000 hydrangeas of 80 different types have been planted within the temple grounds, and it is also famous as ``Hydrangea Temple,'' and the autumn leaves are also picturesque.