Kontai-ji, Buddhist temple in Harayama, Wazuka, Japan
Kontai-ji is a Buddhist temple situated on Mount Jubu-san at 682 meters elevation. The grounds feature a main hall and a 13th-century pagoda nestled within the mountain landscape.
Emperor Tenmu ordered the temple's establishment in 675. En no Gyoja later founded it as an important site within the Shingon Buddhist tradition.
The temple houses a wooden Miroku Bosatsu statue from the Kamakura period. The spaces here evoke a sense of quiet devotion suited to mountain worship.
The temple is accessible by Nara Kotsu Bus from JR Kamo Station, alighting at Harayama stop, followed by a one-hour walk. The forest trail is marked but sturdy footwear is necessary for the mountain path.
The temple grounds link to the Tokai Nature Trail, offering hiking paths from both Wazuka and Ujitawara through mountain terrain. This route connects several sacred sites along a single pathway.
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