Segi-dera

Segi-dera is a Buddhist temple in Ise featuring a long wooden staircase with stone steps that descend from the Niō Gate down to the Main Hall. The pathway integrates the hillside landscape with the temple structures, creating a gradual transition into the sacred area.

The temple was founded in 686 and received an Eleven-Faced Kannon statue in 727, marking two important moments in its early development. These additions shaped the sanctuary's spiritual role and architectural character.

The Main Hall, recognized as a National Treasure of Japan, contains important Buddhist relics and represents architectural styles from the Nara period.

Wear comfortable walking shoes since the long staircase requires careful steps and exploring the temple grounds involves some physical effort. The site is accessible year-round, though seasonal plant growth and weather conditions affect the overall experience.

The temple houses one of Japan's largest wooden sculptures, an Eleven-Faced Kannon statue that impresses with its scale and craftsmanship. Few visitors realize the complexity of the carved details and the specialized restoration techniques applied to preserve this sculpture.