Monjusen-ji, Buddhist temple in Kunisaki, Japan

Monjusen-ji stands on the northeast slope of Mount Monju (617 m) in the Kunisaki Peninsula, with a dark timber hall set against a cliff face and open at the front behind a lattice grille. Two sets of five cloth banners in red, white, purple, green and yellow hang across the facade, and a bare tree rises before the left side. The approach begins at a gate flanked by Nio statues and climbs a long stone stairway to the main hall, bell tower and a stone stupa about 9 m tall.

Founded in 648 by En no Gyōja, who enshrined a Monju Bosatsu image brought from Mount Wutai in China, Monjusen-ji flourished in the Edo period as a prayer temple of the Kitsuki-Matsudaira family, lords of Kitsuki. It is the 25th site of the Rokugō Manzan circuit and the 21st special site of the Usa Jingū Rokugō Manzan pilgrimage.

Monjusen-ji calls itself the birthplace of the proverb "three people together have the wisdom of Monju." On the 25th of each month, Monju's feast day, a goma fire ritual is held in the main hall and visitors are offered lunch. A wisdom porridge of temple-grown rice, Oita shiitake and the sacred water is served on 2 January.

The site is located about 30 minutes north of Mount Futago and reached by climbing steep stone staircases. Sturdy shoes are recommended as the pathways involve wet stones and steep slopes.

Behind the inner sanctum lies a small cave containing water that visitors drink before important tests to gain mental clarity. Students from across the region seek out this water, hoping for support during their studies.