Tokyo

Mount Takao’s Yakuo-in Temple

Protecting the `good` and banishing `evil `

Steve Morton Jan 08, 2015 - 1 min read

<p>When approaching the temple precinct you will walk under this large gate</p>

<p>Situated along either side of the approach to Yakuo-in are the first of countless red lanterns</p>

<p>It is customary to make a bow in front of one of the many religious monuments before entering this sacred temple </p>

<p>Along the winding approach to Shitenno-mon Gate you will see this long line of wooden tablets</p>

<p>The final staircase leading up to Yakuo-in Temple where you will notice many red lanterns and several black statues representing some of Takao`s many Guardian Deities</p>

<p>As you finally reach the temple precinct you have to pass through Shitenno-mon Gate</p>

<p>Looking back at Shitenno-mon Gate from within inside Yakuo-in Temple`s inner grounds. Notice the Buddhist Monk standing beside two large scary looking statues of Tengu, (Mountain Demons)</p>

<p>Okunoin Fudo-do Hall, situated behind the main precinct</p>

<p>A close up view of one of Okunoin Fudo-do Hall`s impressive carvings</p>

<p>Daishi-do Hall, yet another one of Yakuo-in Temple’s pretty red structures</p>

<p>The immaculately built Izuna Gongen-do Hall with a large Tengu, (Mountain Demon) standing guard</p>

<p>A closer look at Izuna Gongen-do Hall`s front roof</p>

<p>Impressive from a distance but even more spectacular when viewed up close!</p>

<p>The detail is eye catching at anytime of the day!</p>

<p>Yet another bright red structure, Fuji Sengen-sha Shrine, located at the very back of the Yuku-in Temple precinct</p>

Founded in 744 by Chief Priest Goyoku Bosatu under the orders of Emperor Shomu, Yakuo-in Temple has served as a base for the Shingon Sect of Buddhism in eastern Japan since its erection.

When walking around this temple's impressive grounds, you cannot help but be amazed by its many brightly decorated buildings and immaculately carved structures including the eye-dropping Izuna Gongen-do Hall where the deity Izuna Diagogen is enshrined.

For anyone who has visited the World Heritage sights of Nikko in Tochigi, you will fully be able to appreciate just how impressive Yakuo-in Temple is both structurally and aesthetically

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Steve Morton @steve.morton138

Yokohama based content creator, editor, and researcher. Steven likes, eating, reading and traveling on a streamlined budget guaranteed to make any self-respecting local gulp. When not too busy with work assignments, Steven attempts to not get lost while following Japanese tourist maps.Follow me o...