One of the better known temples in the area is Kishimojin Temple. Since I was just wandering through the area, I ended entering through the side entrance.
It was still an impressive view. The grounds here are larger than most in the area.
Established in 1578, the goddess Kishimojin is enshrined here. The main hall or honden was built by carpenters from Hiroshima which is why it has features found in temples in Hiroshima.
Small but still fierce komainu.
They look rather old compared to others I have seen in the area.
Besides the komainu, there are carved baku and lions on the temple. Both for protection.
Yes that is gold up there. Also inside the temple the ceiling has gold leaf. The temple has been designated as an important cultural property.
The temple is part of the Nichiren sect. The goddess Kishimojin is a goddess of little children and motherhood, so this is a popular place for expectant women to pray at.
Something fun on the grounds is this vintage candy shop. Kamikawaguchiya may have been around since 1781.
Near by is the temple chozubachi.
Along with many vermillion gates or torii.
They lead to a pair of kitsune
and this Shinto shrine, Takeyoshi Inari Shrine. You can actually see the lit lanterns inside the shrine.
It is sad they have to put cages around the kitsune statues to protect them. These are a great looking pair of foxes.
Near by people have tied their omikuji to a rope around a tree. Probably the bad luck ones.
As for the tree, it is impressive. Maybe it is a Japanese cedar tree?
There is more than one impressive tree here.
Most notable is this gingko tree, which is thought to be about 700 years old. It is around 33 meters tall and about 11 meters in girth.
I ended up going out the entrance. Where a couple small but impressive Nio statues are located.
Back out to the owls.
And the sakura trees, just waiting to blossom.
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