Nison-In Temple

In the Heian period between 834 and 847 AD, Nison-in Temple was opened by the Chief Tendaijashu priest "Jikaku Daishi Ennin.” The official name for this temple is Ogurayama Nison-in Kadaiji temple. During the violent period that occurred from 1467 to 1477, the temple was ravaged by the war and was rebuilt by a disciple of the monk "Hounen Shounin.” The temple was built at the foot of Mt. Ogurayama, which is the subject of renowned song "Ogura Hyakunin Ishu”, a beautiful scenic spot known for its fall colors. Nison-in, meaning “two Buddhist teachings,” houses two wooden Buddhist statues: the Tathagata statue, "Shaka Nyorai" and the Amitabha statue, "Amida Nyorai" as well as other important cultural artifacts, like the color paintings on silk, "Kenpon Chakushou You-In Sanetaka" and "Shou Myou-In-Kin Eda.” After entering the elegant gates of Nison-in, you will see a large walkway that stretches over 200 meters, flanked by the Japanese Momiji maple trees on both sides. This path is called the "Momiji-no-baba.” During autumn, the color contrast of bright red leaves, Karamon gate, tsukiji fence and the white walls of the main hall is absolutely splendid, a blanket of red and yellow leaves covering every district.