Kinpusenji Temple

Kinpusenji Temple (金峯山寺, Kinpusenji), the spiritual heart of Yoshino, is a key site of Shugendo, a faith that blends Buddhism, Shinto, and mountain worship. The temple’s towering Zao-do Hall, standing 34 meters high, is Japan’s second-largest wooden structure after Todaiji in Nara. Inside, visitors will find three impressive blue statues of Zao Gongen, the mountain guardian deity, each representing the past, present, and future Buddhas.

These ancient statues, standing up to seven meters tall, have watched over the mountains for 1,300 years. The temple is also known for Shugendo training experiences, where participants challenge their mind and body through practices like sitting under waterfalls. Kinpusenji is the starting point for the sacred pilgrimage trail to Mount Omine, making it a powerful place for both history lovers and spiritual seekers alike.