Recommended for cat lovers! Yugasan Rendaiji, a temple with a signboard cat to ward off evil spirits

• Table of Contents
• What is Rendaiji Temple?
• Fu-chan the cat that protects against evil spirits
• Fu-chan's payment book
• main hall
• Japan's largest amulet warding off Fudo Myoo
• guest hall
• Gongendo
• Tahoto Pagoda
• A cat I met at the temple grounds
• Amulet/souvenir
• Memories of the trip
• Fu-chan dorayaki
• in conclusion

What is Rendaiji Temple?

Rendaiji Temple is a temple located in Kojima, Kurashiki City.
It is said to have been built by Gyoki Bodhisattva in 738 (Nara period). Gyoki Bodhisattva was also the person who received the imperial order from Emperor Shomu to build the Great Buddha at Todaiji Temple in Nara. There is also the world's largest wooden Fudo-son statue, which was opened in 2006, and there is plenty to see. There is also a large parking lot, so you can safely visit the shrine by car.

Address: 2855 Yuga Kojima, Kurashiki City
TEL: 086-477-6222

Fu-chan the cat that protects against evil spirits

Rendai-ji Temple has a signboard cat, ``Fu-chan.'' Fu-chan is a boy who is estimated to be 10 years old. It is said that it came here around the fall of 2015, and is loved as a ``cat that wards off evil spirits''. The origin of the name Fu-chan is said to have come from the "fu" of Fudo-sama.

Fu-chan is a cat.
Cats are carefree.
Sometimes I'm in the office, but sometimes I go out for a while. It is not always possible to meet each other. Lucky to meet you!
This time, I was lucky enough to meet him!
Anyway, it's cute! Really cute! She was a quiet and kind cat. If you see one, don't chase it, just touch it gently. Please do not touch the tail or stomach, do not hold it, and do not be persistent.

Fu-chan's payment book

Afu-chan's payment book (goshuincho) and Fu-chan.
This cute account book is irresistible for cat lovers!
Another picture of Fu-chan is also drawn on the back cover. The inside of the account book was blank, and I was also given a thankful stamp.

main hall

After meeting the cute cat, my heart felt warm, and I decided to take my time walking around the temple grounds.
This is the main hall.
The three statues of Yuga (Eleven-faced Kanzeon Bodhisattva, Yuga Daigongen, and Kobo Daishi) are enshrined here. When you go up to the second floor, you will be able to see a ``sange'' that wards off evil spirits. Make a wish on paper sanka (Buddha flower) and drop sanka in front of Fudo-sama's treasure. (No photos are taken as photography is not allowed on the second floor.) Please also try the Sanka to ward off evil spirits.

Japan's largest amulet warding off Fudo Myoo

Fudo-sama is enshrined on the first floor of the main shrine.
Fudo Myoo boasts a total height of 7m59cm and a Buddha body of 3m66cm. I couldn't help but exclaim, "It's so big!" The length of the sword is also 3m. I put my hands together and chanted ``Namu Yuga Daigongen'' three times, prayed, and then took a photo. Detailed instructions on how to visit the temple were written near the Fudo-sama, so even if you are not familiar with the temple etiquette, you can visit with peace of mind.

guest hall

It is the largest wooden building in Okayama Prefecture, and is a reception hall designated as an important cultural property by the prefecture.
It was used for lodging and rest by the Bizen feudal lord. Inside the guest hall, you can also see a screen painting of ``Bamboo and Cock'' drawn by Okyo Maruyama.
The days when you can visit the reception hall are limited, so if you would like to see the inside of the reception hall, we recommend that you check in advance before visiting.

Gongendo

Gongendo is located on the 274m peak of Mt. Yuga. From the top of the mountain, you can also see the Seto Inland Sea and the mountains of Shikoku. Unfortunately, when I visited, it was so hazy that I couldn't see clearly, and I could only faintly say, "I think I can see the mountains."

Tahoto Pagoda

A very big treasure tower! It is said to be the second largest building in Japan built before the Edo period.

A cat I met at the temple grounds

In the Tahoto area, there was a Sanada Yukimura public monument.

I also saw several other cats besides Fuu-chan in the temple grounds. Basking in the warm sun.

Amulet/souvenir

This is an amulet shop located opposite the main shrine. There are many different types of amulets, and in addition to general ones such as praying for traffic safety and passing exams, there are also sports amulets and pet amulets.

Fu-chan dorayaki and Yugasan's specialty Ankoro mochi are also available!

Memories of the trip

I bought Ankoro Mochi, Fuchan Dorayaki, and amulets. The Ankoro Mochi contained 15 pieces of stretchy rice cake wrapped in a sweet and chewy strained bean paste.

Fu-chan dorayaki

We will also have Fu-chan dorayaki!
There is a branding iron with cat footprints on the surface. When you take a bite, you can smell the rum flavor and the soft dorayaki dough. And a whole chestnut! It was very delicious.

in conclusion

(Fu-chan is cute from the back and has adorable curves)
What did you think of Yugasan Rendaiji, a temple with a signboard cat?
In addition to the things I introduced above, there is a new main shrine that was just built last year, a car exhibit called "Shaku CAR," a giant Rilakkuma votive tablet, and many other things to see.
Please be sure to visit Rendaiji Temple to meet the super cute Fu-chan and to pray to purify your heart!

Rendaiji official website

Rendaiji Temple

711-0901 2855 Yuga Kojima, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture

Rendai-ji Temple on Mt. Yuga is dedicated to Yuga Daigongen, one of Japan's three great gongen, and prays to ward off misfortune and misfort...