Kinkeizan, Sacred mountain in Hiraizumi, Japan
Kinkeizan is a 98.6-meter peak with a conical shape positioned between two major temples in the area. Its location serves as a connecting point between these two important religious sites in Hiraizumi.
In the 12th century, Buddhist monks built sutra mounds at the summit to preserve sacred texts. This construction transformed the mountain into a central element of the region's spiritual landscape planning.
The mountain takes its name from a legend about golden roosters buried there to guard the ancient city. This story remains part of local memory and shapes how people view the site today.
The mountain is about a 5-minute walk from a bus stop or roughly 15 minutes by car from a highway exit. Good footwear and preparation for trail conditions are recommended for the visit.
Archaeologists discovered in 1930 copper containers holding sutras and ceramics, revealing the mountain served as a burial ground for sacred texts. These findings provide tangible evidence of the spiritual importance this place held across the centuries.
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