[Nishinomiya City] Shinjuji Temple is a temple with a slightly shocking name. When I went there, it was such a wonderful place.

• Table of Contents
• The symbol of Nishinomiya, the round and cute Mt. Kozan
• What is the origin of the name, Shinjuji Temple?
• I visited during the hydrangea blooming season.
• In fact, you can also see the Yodogawa fireworks, a little-known night view spot.
• basic information

The symbol of Nishinomiya, the round and cute Mt. Kozan

Koyama seen from the author's house. The one you can see halfway up the hill is Jinjuji Temple.

Kabutoyama, shaped like fried rice topped with a ladle, is said to be the symbol of Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture. At 309 meters above sea level, it is about 9 meters higher than Abeno Harukas and can be seen from almost anywhere in the southern part of the city. I live in a room on the 9th floor by the sea in Nishinomiya, and when I step out the front door, I can clearly see Mt. Kosan in front of me, and Jinjuji Temple halfway up the mountain.

Mt. Ko seen from Tateishiji in Nishinomiya City

Mt. Rokko and Mt. Ko may appear to be one, but they actually have different origins. Mt. Rokko is a mountain that rose due to tectonic movement, but Mt. Ko is a volcano. The current Mt. Kozan is said to have erupted 12 million years ago, after which only the hard part near the crater remained.

There are also various theories about the origin of the name "Koyama". Empress Jingu buried the golden helmet in prayer for peace. A long time ago, two large pine trees grew there, and the shape of the mountain resembled a helmet. The ``Mountain of the Gods'' (Ko-no-yama) became ``Kou-no-yama'' and became ``Ko-san.'' It all seems real.

By the way, there is a theory that when Mt. Rokko was viewed from around Kamimachi Plateau, when most of Osaka City was still on the sea, the ``mountain on the other side of the sea to the west'' became ``Mt. Rokko'' after passing through ``Mt. there is. It is said that ``Mukogawa'' also got its name from this process. I don't know what's really going on here, but it's kind of interesting.

What is the origin of the name, Shinjuji Temple?

Niomon (Sanmon) of Shinjuji Temple

Now, regarding the origin of the name Jinju-ji Temple, of course it does not mean ``cursing the gods'' or something scary. In the first place, this ``ju'' means ``curse'' of ``spell.'' It's a "God's spell". According to the leaflet of Jinjuji Temple, ``This temple was named Jinjuji Temple (a temple with a mysterious and powerful power similar to that of a god) because Mt. Kou was believed to be a mysterious mountain of gods.''

It also says, ``Kanno is a divine spell found in the Heart Sutra, which means a mantra.'' Jinjuji Temple is the special head temple of the Omuro sect of the Shingon sect, also known as Kozan Daishi, so when you think about it, the name Shinjutsu seems quite natural.

I visited during the hydrangea blooming season.

Turn off Prefectural Route 82 at the Washinji-cho intersection and head east along Kozan Daishi-michi. If you look at Kitayama Reservoir on your right, you will find a parking lot a little further. Niomon is located a little south across the road. I visited on June 19th, and the hydrangeas were blooming beautifully amidst the moist greenery during the rainy season.

After passing through the gate and crossing a busy road, there are stairs leading straight towards the mountain. You have to climb about 100 stone steps to reach the shrine grounds, which is located halfway up Mt. Kosan, about 200 meters above sea level.

There are about 100 stone steps up from the Niomon gate to the main hall.

There is also a Jizo temple along the way.

There is a magnificent temple bell in the bell tower. You can ring the temple bell, which is engraved with the words ``Tenka Wajun'' in the handwriting of His Imperial Highness Prince Takamatsu, for 50 yen.

The first thing you see when you go up is the bell tower.

It is engraved with Tenka Wajun.

You can hit it for 50 yen once.

In the front, from left to right, are Daishi-do, Benten-do, Hondo, Fudo-do, and Ossuary. A seated statue of Kobo Daishi is enshrined in the Daishi-do hall. It is a nationally designated important cultural property and is said to have been created in the late Kamakura period. This is what Kobo Daishi looked like when he was 58 years old.

A seated statue of Nyoirin Kannon is enshrined in the main hall. It is a nationally designated important cultural property and is also known as the Yutsu Kannon. It is a secret Buddha statue that is said to have been carved by Kobo Daishi. Along with the Kannon statues at Kanshin-ji Temple in Kawachi and Muro-ji Temple in Yamato, it is called one of the three Nyoirin rings in Japan.

Every year on May 18th, the Hibutsu Kaicho and Yutsu Kannon Festival is held. A statue of Fudo Myoo is enshrined in Fudo-do Hall. This is also a nationally designated important cultural property.

Main hall

ossuary

Since it's in the mountains, animals come too.

Tahoto Pagoda

Daishido

In front of Daishi-do Hall, there is a small pine tree called Sanko no Matsu. The Sanko pine tree located between Mieido and Kondo in the Danjo Garan of Mt. Koya is said to be the inspiration for Kobo Daishi's creation of Mt. Koya, and is a rare tree with three pine needles.

It is said that if you pick up the pine needles and hold them, you will receive blessings. The Sanko pine tree here is also divided into three pine trees.

Mitoko no Matsu

The pine needle is divided into three parts

In fact, you can also see the Yodogawa fireworks, a little-known night view spot.

Observatory

Nishinomiya City, towards the author's home. You can see the WTC in Nanko over there.

You can see Abeno Harukas

The direction of Umeda. You can probably see the Yodogawa fireworks in this direction.

There is an observation deck on the east side of the precincts. From a height of 200 meters above sea level, you can enjoy a panoramic view as far as Mt. Ikoma. In fact, this is a well-known spot not only for the night view of Osaka, but also for the Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival held every August.

Of course, it's far away, but it's clearly visible right in front of you, and there are people who watch and photograph it from here every year. That means you'll probably be able to see the Inagawa and Expo City fireworks as well.

It's a little-known scenic spot

The summit of Mt. Kozan seen from the observatory

Kozan trailhead

There is also a reception area for climbers.

If you go further back from the observatory, you will find the trailhead for Mt. Kosan. The elevation difference from here is about 100 meters, so it might be a good hiking course for those with good legs.

A somewhat nostalgic match

Yutsu Koban of Yutsu Kannon. It looks like it will benefit you

You can also get various Goshuin stamps.

Nishinomiya's landmark, Shinjuji Temple, nestled in Mt. Kosan. It is a scenic and hidden spot. Please come and visit us at least once.

(Writer Kojima)

*This article is information as of June 2023. Prices include tax. Product contents and prices may change.

basic information

Shinjuji Temple

Address: 25-1 Kozancho, Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture

Phone number: 0798-72-1172 (9:00-16:30)

Business hours: [Closing time] 17:00

No regular holiday

Access: 30 minutes by bus from Hanshin Nishinomiya Station (get off at Kozan Daishi-mae)

Parking: Available, 80 regular cars (free)

HP: https://www.ne.jp/asahi/kabutoyama/kanno-ji/