Senkō-ji, Buddhist temple in Takayama, Japan
Senkō-ji is a Buddhist temple situated on elevated ground with a main hall containing 63 wooden Buddhist statues carved by the monk Enkū. These sculptures represent different aspects of Buddhist tradition and form a remarkable collection of hand-carved works.
The temple was established around 850 when Prince Shinnyo, the third son of Emperor Heizei, founded it as a religious center. This early creation made it an important Buddhist site in the Hida region.
The temple serves as a waypoint on the Hida Kannon Pilgrimage Route, drawing Buddhist practitioners who walk between sacred sites throughout the year. It holds meaning for those following this traditional spiritual journey through the region.
The temple grounds are open daily and feature a natural pathway leading up to the main hall, letting visitors explore the surroundings as they climb. Wearing comfortable shoes is advisable since the path rises in elevation and can become slippery in wet weather.
Five ancient cedar trees on the temple grounds have stood for about 1200 years and hold the status of national natural monuments. These trees are silent witnesses to the site's long history and shape its appearance to this day.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
