[Ono City] Only in Hyogo Prefecture! The national treasure Buddha statue is a highlight, and the seasonal stamps and handmade fortunes are also wonderful.

• Table of Contents
• ``Jodoji'' is a temple like this
• The triad of statues shining in the setting sun is a must-see
• Click here for the highlights of the temple grounds
• Also pay attention to the wonderful red stamps and fortune telling fortunes.
• basic information

``Jodoji'' is a temple like this

Precinct guide map

Beautiful and well-maintained grounds

"Jodoji" is a temple that was built in the early Kamakura period, around Kenkyu 5 (1194). A long time ago, it was called ``Obe no Sho'' where the manor of Todaiji Temple in Nara was located.

Chogen Shonin, the person in charge of rebuilding Todai-ji Temple, which was destroyed by fire during the Genpei War, set up separate temples in various places as bases for the reconstruction of Todai-ji Temple, and built temples in each separate place as bases for promotion, enshrining Amida Buddha. The aim was to cover the cost of rebuilding by building and developing this land. One of the seven bessho established across the country is Jodoji Temple, also known as ``Harima Bessho.''

The triad of statues shining in the setting sun is a must-see

Jododo

Jodo-do Hall has been the central hall of Jodo-ji Temple since its founding, built by Chogen. It is unique in that it is systematically constructed so that the architecture and the Buddha statue are integrated. It was built in the unique style of ``Daibutsuyo,'' which was also used in the reconstruction of Todaiji Temple, and is one of the few precious buildings that almost completely depicts the Great Buddha. Now, let's go inside the hall.

Amida triad statue

“Amazing!” “Big!” “So cool!” The interior of the hall is an open dome-shaped vermilion and white space with no ceiling and a high attic. The three giant Buddha statues standing in the center have an overwhelming presence.

This is an early work by Kaikei, a famous Buddhist sculptor representing the Kamakura period, and is a rare example of a ``Joroku'' standing statue measuring 1 jo and 6 shaku (4.8 meters). Although the statue appears to be resting on a pedestal, it is actually not.The structure is strong against earthquakes, with the core materials of the statue incorporated into the hall. It's really surprising that the Buddha statue was built at the same time as the building.

The image of Amitabha Tathagata, which was the opposite of that of the Japanese Amitabha Nyorai up until then, had the left hand raised and the right hand lowered, the sakate rai goin, and the long fingernails, all modeled after Chinese paintings, and at the time. Apparently it was the latest style. These three statues are the only national treasures of Hyogo Prefecture's Buddhist statues.

Three statues shining in the setting sun

In the evening, the western sun shines through the lattice door at the back, reflects off the floor and hits the attic, casting light onto the Buddha statue. The main image of the Buddha shines in gold and looks like a person coming from the Pure Land floating on a cloud. The best light is from around 4:00pm to 4:30pm, from around the summer solstice to mid-August. You can experience the power and beauty of the building and the Buddha statue coming together.

The light production to express the arrival is also said to have been calculated, so there are no words to describe the formidable Chogen Shonin.

Click here for the highlights of the temple grounds

Yakushido

The main hall, Yakushi-do, where the principal image of Yakushi Nyorai is enshrined, is a nationally designated important cultural property. It is located on the east side of the precincts, facing Jodo-do Hall across the pond.

The original building was destroyed by fire, and the current building was rebuilt in 1517 during the Muromachi period. It is built in the same Daibutsu style as when it was first built, but Japanese and Chinese styles are also used in various places.

Hachiman Shrine

The worship hall and main hall of Hachiman Shrine, a nationally designated important cultural property. Just as Todaiji Temple has its guardian, Tamukayama Hachimangu Shrine, Jodoji Temple also has a Hachiman Shrine.

88 Sacred Sites Entrance

On the back mountain, a stone Buddha is enshrined as one of the 88 sacred places in Shikoku. Although it was built during the Edo period, it is an authentic sacred place that resembles the distance and ups and downs of the real sacred place in Shikoku.

It takes about 30 minutes to complete one circuit, so some people from the neighborhood come every day.

Recommended during hydrangea season

Approximately 3,500 hydrangeas are planted along the road, so many people visit during the season. Other recommended times are the season of fresh greenery, and the carpet of autumn and dead leaves from autumn to winter.

Also pay attention to the wonderful red stamps and fortune telling fortunes.

Goshuin

Click here for the stamp of Jodoji Temple. In the center is written ``Ruriko-den,'' meaning the hall that enshrines ``Ruriko Nyorai,'' another name for the principal image of Yakushi Nyorai. The treasure seal with the Sanskrit characters of Yakushi Nyorai and Amida Nyorai is stamped on it.

Also, on the left side is the ``Goshuin of the poem'', which has a treasure seal with the same Sanskrit characters. You can have both of these at Jodo-do, and there is also a place to write them down. 300 yen each.

One of the sub-temples, Kangi-in

Many lucky charms lined up

Jodo-ji Temple is protected by two sub-temples, Kanki-in and Hoji-in. One of the sub-temples, Kangi-in, is located down the stairs on the south side near the Jodo-do Hall, where you can receive wonderful stamps and fortune telling fortunes.

Seasonal flower stamp (June) 500 yen each

Seasonal flower stamp (July) 500 yen each

This is the "Seasonal Flower Red Stamp". We started this service in June 2020 in response to the voices of worshipers who said, ``I wanted something to commemorate my visit.'' I draw two types of seasonal flowers every month. One is always a red stamp with the words ``Amitabha Buddha'' and its plain characters, and the other has various characters, such as Buddhist terms or seasonal words.

The red stamp of June's hydrangea is stamped with the word ``Hou'', which means that the teachings will spread like rain to every corner, and the red stamp of the Wheel of the Law. The other one has a picture of a Yamaboushi. In July, there are sleeping trees and kouhone. The characters for ``healing'' and the simple characters for Yakushi Nyorai are stamped on the Nemu tree.

Picture stamp of the four seasons (summer)

Starting this year, we have started making ``picture red stamps'' that include seasonal patterns and Buddhist words for each of the four seasons. This is a summer picture shuin. ``Nengemisho'' is a Buddhist term that has the same meaning as ``Ishindenshin.'' The story goes that when Shakyamuni Buddha gave a sermon, he twisted a flower and showed it to the masses, but no one understood its meaning, but only one disciple understood his true meaning and smiled. A picture depicting the story is drawn on it, and the Sanpo seal is stamped on it. It's fun to hear about your background.

Akira Kanko, the deputy chief priest of Kangi-in Temple, was in charge of writing the letters on the red seal, and the picture was drawn by his mother. Many people come to visit the temple looking forward to receiving the monthly stamps. They will also provide back issues if you ask.

Amidasan Omikuji 600 yen (700 yen if you bring your own)

There are also lucky charms that may bring you blessings from Amida Buddha. This is a super cute "Amida-san Omikuji". This is a self-made work by the chief priest.

Hotoke no Ko Omikuji 600 yen (700 yen if you bring your own)

The ``Hotoke no Ko Omikuji'' is also very expressive.

``I am also making it with a warm feeling so that people can feel close to the Buddha.I write each one one by one, so it is a one-of-a-kind fortune.I hope you will take it home with you, carrying good fortune with you.'' Chief priest.

In addition, there are many variations such as ``Lucky Cats'' and ``Lucky Dogs.'' 600 yen (700 yen if you bring your own). If you meet the shining golden Amida Buddha and receive a seasonal stamp or a cute fortune, you will surely receive some blessings.

(Writer Utami)

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

basic information

Jodoji Temple

Address: 2094 Joyacho, Ono City

Phone number: 0794-62-4318 (Kankiin) 0794-62-2651 (Hojiin)

Visiting hours: April to September 9:00 to 12:00, 13:00 to 17:0010 to March 9:00 to 12:00, 13:00 to 16:00

Closed: Closed on December 31st and January 1st

Access: Approximately 5 minutes by car from Sanyo Expressway Miki-Ono IC, approximately 13 minutes by car from Chugoku Expressway Takinosha IC

Parking lot: 30 spaces

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