Kinpusen-ji Temple: A Sacred Site in Yoshino

Kinpusen-ji Temple, located in Yoshino, Nara Prefecture, is a head temple of Kinpusen-Shugendo, a branch of the Shugendo religion rooted in mountain asceticism. Founded in the 7th century by En no Gyoja, who combined Shinto and Buddhist beliefs, it stands as one of the most important temples in Shugendo. The temple is a key site for pilgrims and those seeking spiritual connection with nature. The temple's main hall, the Zao-do Hall, is the second-largest wooden structure in Japan, after Todaiji Temple's Great Buddha Hall in Nara. Inside, three imposing blue-skinned statues of Zao Gongen, the protector deity of the local sacred mountains, embody the past, present, and future Buddha. These 1300-year-old statues are only viewable during specific times of the year. Kinpusen-ji offers training events from May through October, emphasizing physical and mental endurance. The Rengekai Toad Festival, held annually on July 7th, commemorates a local legend about a man transformed into a toad for neglecting his religious practices. The temple and surrounding area are part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, 'Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range'.