Negoro-ji, Buddhist temple in Iwade, Japan
Negoro-ji is a Buddhist temple in the Katsuragi Mountains near Iwade that spreads across a forested hillside. The complex contains several buildings, including a Tahō-tō pagoda notable for its size and protected as a national treasure.
Kakuban founded the temple in 1130 after leaving Mount Kōya due to disputes within the monastic community. The site was besieged and partly destroyed in 1585 by forces of Toyotomi Hideyoshi because the resident monks had built military power.
The grounds display halls from multiple centuries that visitors can walk through, offering insight into temple construction across different periods. The site continues to function as a center for the Shingi-Shingon sect and is used by worshippers for religious practice.
The grounds are located at 2286 Negoro in Iwade city and can be reached by train and bus from nearby stations. Paths between buildings run over paved walkways and stairs, with the terrain featuring slopes.
The Daitō pagoda still bears visible bullet holes from the 1585 siege that remain as witnesses to the militant past of the site. These marks are visible to visitors on the wooden structure of the building and recall the role of the monk army.
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