Kaijusenji Temple

A Kannon Temple on the Slopes above Mikanohara

The Kaijusenji Temple (海住山寺, Kaijusenji) stands halfway up a mountain overlooking Mikanohara in Reihei, Kamo-cho, Kizugawa City, Kyoto Prefecture; its early Kamakura five-storied pagoda was designated a National Treasure in 1952, and its Monju hall is an Important Cultural Property.

Kizugawa City relates that it was founded in 735 by Roben of Todaiji at the wish of Emperor Shomu and first called Kannonji; the name Kaijusenji was given by Gedatsubo Jokei, who revived the temple in the Kamakura period, after a Kannon paradise.

According to the Agency for Cultural Affairs, Jokei moved here from Kasagidera in 1208 and restored the temple.

The Pagoda and the Monju Hall

The Agency notes that the pagoda first appears in 1214, when Jokei's disciple Kakushin enshrined Buddha relics in it on the first anniversary of his master's death, and it was probably completed then; Kizugawa City attributes it to Jishin Shonin, Jokei's successor. Repairs in 1963 restored the first-storey pent roof and other features to their original form.

The Agency records the Monju hall as a small early Kamakura hipped hall three bays by two with a copper roof. Kizugawa City notes that it is named after an early modern Monju on an elephant enshrined there, and is said to be the sutra repository mentioned in a memorial prayer for Jokei's twelfth death anniversary.

Treasures of the Temple

Kizugawa City notes that the principal image, an Eleven-Headed Kannon, a small image said to be Jokei's personal devotional statue, a Lotus Sutra mandala and the temple documents are also Important Cultural Properties.

The city describes the vermilion pagoda beside the main hall, set against the mountains, as a Kamakura masterpiece.

Visiting Kaijusenji

The Kizugawa City Tourism Association gives visiting hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with admission to the main hall at 500 yen (including the entrance fee) and a 200-yen entrance fee for hikers; large buses cannot reach the temple.

Kizugawa City notes that the pagoda interior is opened each year in late October. Enquiries: Kaijusenji, 0774-76-2256.