Introducing Kakurin Temple Temple

Source :Kakurin Temple Temple Official Twitter

Right now, Japan is experiencing an unprecedented amount of inbound tourism.
Have you ever wanted to visit a temple in peace and quiet, only to be disappointed by the sheer number of tourists? There's actually a lot of quiet sightseeing spots just a short distance away if you don't mind venturing just a bit further.

This video, titled "Kakogawa City PR Video｜Kakurin-ji Temple" (【兵庫県加古川市ＰＲ動画】鶴林寺), created by "Kakogawa Tourism Association" introduces Totasan Kakurin Temple (Kakurinji), located in Kakogawa, east of the Harima area of Hyogo. There are many formal shrines and temples around the area.
It is extremely accessible, being just 30 minutes from Kobe (JR Sannomiya Station) and 10 minutes from Himeji on the Special Rapid Express train, making it a hidden tourist attraction and a historic sacred site.

The video shows a woman sightseeing at Kakurin Temple Temple.
Enjoy the sights and sounds of Kakurin Temple Temple through the video!

The History of Kakurin Temple

Source :Kakurin Temple Temple Official Twitter

Kakurin Temple has a deep connection with Prince Shotoku, who is known for spreading Buddhism in Japan.
Eben, a monk from Goryeo, afraid of Buddhist abolitionists, evacuated to Harima.
In 585, the young Prince Shotoku, 12 at the time, visited from the and received the teachings of Buddha. This is said to be the beginning of Kakurin Temple.

During Kamakura period, (1185-1333) the worship of Prince Shotoku became popular and the temple reached its peak.
During Warring States period, (1467-1615), when the country was on the brink of war, Kuroda Kanbei, the lord of Himeji Castle, and his father Mototaka forced to relinquish the castle to Oda Nobunaga to avoid complete annihilation.

Kakurin Temple Temple is one of the most representative temples in Kakogawa, with many National Treasures and Important Cultural Properties.
The temple is called "Otsurusan" by the locals. In the fall, the trees at the temple turn red and it become a popular place for moon viewing.

You can also try zen meditation and sutra-copying, which are shown at 0:55 in the video. It's popular photogenic sightseeing spot among tourists from abroad who are interested in Japanese culture.

The Cultural Properties of Kakurin Temple Temple

Source :Kakurin Temple Temple Official Twitter

There are 45 Cultural Properties at Kakurin Temple Temple, including the main hall and Taishi-do Hall, which are both national treasures.
You can see the main hall at 0:27 and Taishi-do Hall from 1:07 in the video.
The temple is called "Harima's Horyu-ji" and the Main Hall, Nio-zo and Three-storied Pagoda are truly spectacular.

There are many paintings and Buddhist statues stored at the temple, and the most famous one is a standing bronze statue of the Goddess of Mercy, "Aitata Kannon."
There is a legend that says that when the statue was stolen, the thief hurt his back and screamed "aitata!," and was so surprised that he repented and returned the statue to the temple.
There are so many things to see at the temple, such as the Yakushi-sanzon (three deities of the Buddha) that cure diseases, the statue of the Holy Avalokitesvara (the Goddess of Mercy) and the powerful Twelve Divine Generals. These can be seen at 0:40 in the video.

The Festival at Kakurin Temple

Source :Kakurin Temple Temple Official Twitter

The temple is known for its Oni-oi ceremony. This can be seen at 1:30 in the video.
After red oni and blue oni get violent in the crowds, they are exorcised by the Buddha.
This is an event at Kakurin Temple, that has continued since the Heian period (794-1185).

During the Tanabata Festival in July, the temple grounds are opened to the public free of charge from 5pm and strips of paper are hung on bamboo branches to make wishes.

Summary of Kakurin Temple Temple

Source :Kakogawa Tourism Association

Kakurin Temple is a great place to get a closer look at Japanese culture.
You can get a sense of history at Kakurin-ji Treasure Museum, which is shown at 1:11 in the video.

Also, Kakogawa, where Kakurin Temple is located, is another sightseeing spot where you can experience the "real Japan."
The nostalgic station buildings and shopping streets are fun to walk through, and there is also excellent access to Akashi and Himeji.
The most famous and the closest sightseeing spot is Himeji Castle, which is shown from 0:02 in the video.

Be sure to try the "Katsumeshi," a combination of pork cutlet, rice and cabbage, when you visit Kakogawa.

We hope this video gave you a taste of the wonderful, traditional Japanese scenery of Kakurin Temple Temple and made you more interested in Kakogawa City.

◆Kakurin Temple Information◆
【Address】424 Kakogawacho, Kakogawa City, Hyogo Prefecture 675-0031
【Access】8 minutes by bus or 25 minutes on foot from JR Kakogawa Station
【Hours】9:00～16:30
【Admission fee】Adult 500 yen (as of July 2020)
【Parking】There is a parking lot
【Telephone】079-454-7053

【Official Website】Kakogawa City, Hyogo City Hall Website
http://www.city.kakogawa.lg.jp/