Takkoku no Iwaya, Bisyamondo

Takoku no Iwaya is a picturesque cliffside temple dating back 1200 years to the height of the Northern Fujiwara clan's reign. The temple was founded by Sakanoue no Tamuramaro in 801 to commemorate victories over the indigenous people of the north. The temple is built over a small cave containing a statue of the Bishamonten, the armor clad god of war. Sakanoue no Tamuramaro believed that it was through the guidance of the god Bishamonten that allowed him to be victorious in the region and has since attracted many people who pray for their own victories in various fields and endeavors. Within the temple is the Joroku fudo myo-o Statue dating back to the Heian era. The temple grounds have been designated as a National Historic site of Japan.