The Temple Grounds of Yanaizu Kokuzoson

The Main Hall (hondo) houses a statue of Kokuzo Bosatsu that was carved on a nearby mountain in 726. The great priest Kukai (774–835; posthumously known as Kobo Daishi) had the statue moved to its current location in the early ninth century. Although the sacred statue is only shown to the public once every 33 years, there are many other attractions and legends to explore.

Scattered throughout the grounds are sub-temples dedicated to various deities. The Yakushi Hall enshrines the Medicine Buddha, while Benzaiten Hall is popular among those seeking blessings for the arts and beauty. Kosodate Jizo Hall and Inari Hall reflect the temple’s role in family and agricultural life, respectively.

One building contains a stone statue of Kannon, the bodhisattva of compassion, shown cradling a child. It is sometimes called the Maria Kannon for its resemblance to Mary and the infant Jesus. Such statues, made during Japan’s Edo-period (1603–1867) ban on Christianity, depict the Virgin Mary in the form of Kannon, and this piece may be connected to Tome’s early Christians.

The Kokuzo Bosatsu is closely associated with eels, believed to act as messengers carrying people’s wishes to the deity. There is an eel motif on the temple’s votive plaques used for writing prayers or wishes, and by custom the head priest and his family refrain from eating eel.

The complex is also known for its Seven Wonders, a collection of sacred sites and natural phenomena tied to local legends. Though some of the related trees and features no longer survive in their original form, the stories remain a cherished part of the temple’s heritage:

 

•The Knotted Zelkova, believed to have grown from Kukai’s walking stick, is said to offer blessings for relationships and healing.

•The Weeping Cherry Tree, planted by the wife of a daimyo lord, is known to shed drops from its leaves even on sunny days.

•The Pine of One Night is said to have bent miraculously one night, which spared it from being cut down during roof renovations.

•The Moon-Viewing Well was created when Kukai struck the earth with his staff, causing water to spring forth and reflect moonlight even during the day.

•The One-Leaved Reed, which grows in a leaning position toward the Main Hall, symbolizes humility and reverence.

•The Golden Spring of Mount Kodo is a source of sacred water associated with healing and purification rituals.

•The Child-Raising Pine supports a cedar growing from its trunk and is believed to symbolize nurture and familial care.

 

The complex has several sacred trees, including a zelkova near the bridge at the entrance and a ginkgo, both more than 400 years old, as well as a row of cedar trees that have stood for over five centuries. The grounds are beautiful year-round, with cherry blossoms in spring, fresh greenery and flowers in summer, and vivid foliage in fall.

The temple’s popular café, Musoan, offers an attractive place to relax in a retro setting with antique furnishings, fine tableware, and stained-glass accents. The menu, curated by the head priest’s wife, features light meals and colorful seasonal sweets.