Matsuo-dera, Buddhist temple in Yamatokoriyama, Japan
The temple stands at the foot of Mount Matsuo with a three-story pagoda, main hall, and multiple shrine buildings spread across its grounds.
Prince Toneri established Matsuo-dera in 718 to ward off evil spirits and seek success in completing the Nihonshoki, Japan's second-oldest historical record.
The temple holds wooden statues of Daikokuten and the Eleven-faced Buddhist Goddess of Mercy from the late Heian and Kamakura periods.
The temple receives many visitors on the first day of the Horse in February and March, with guided tours and meditation sessions available.
A rose garden flourishes within the temple grounds, adding botanical interest to this religious site designated as Japan's oldest apotropaic temple.
Location: Yamatokoriyama
Inception: 718
Founders: Toneri-shinnō
Part of: 88 svetih mest na severu Jamatoja, En no Gyōja Reiseki Fudasho
Website: https://matsuodera.com/en
GPS coordinates: 34.63364,135.72810
Latest update: May 17, 2025 10:26
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