双林寺

Sōrinji Temple sits on Mount Kongyoku with a wooden Medicine Buddha statue in its main hall as the central focus. The grounds contain multiple buildings and structures arranged across the temple property.

The temple was founded between 782 and 805 when Owari no Sadakami invited Saichō, founder of Japanese Tendai Buddhism, to oversee construction. It later expanded significantly when the daughter of Emperor Toba took residence there.

The seated Medicine Buddha statue shows the careful cloth folds and patterns typical of the Heian period. You can observe these crafted details when you visit the main hall.

The temple conducts protective fire ceremonies on the eighth of each month at 11:00, and visitors are welcome to watch. Timing your visit around these dates offers a chance to experience an active ritual.

The wooden Medicine Buddha statue holds classification as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. This designation reflects the sculpture's artistic significance beyond its religious purpose.