Unganzenji

The Unganzenji temple sits on the western slopes of Mount Kinbo, positioned behind the Reigando cave, approximately 14 kilometers from Kumamoto station.

Founded in 1351 by a Chinese monk, the temple gained prominence when swordsman Miyamoto Musashi spent his final years there writing The Book of Five Rings.

The temple pathway features 500 stone statues of enlightened Buddhist followers, each carved with individual characteristics between 1779 and 1804.

Visitors can reach the temple by taking a bus from Sakuramachi Terminal to Iwato-kannon iriguchi stop, followed by a 20-minute walk to the entrance.

Inside the Reigando cave resides a four-faced Iwato Kanon statue, which according to local accounts mysteriously appeared at the site after a shipwreck.

Location: Nishi-ku

Inception: 1351

Part of: 九州西国三十三箇所

GPS coordinates: 32.81958,130.62283

Latest update: April 8, 2025 11:45