Enzoji Temple

Enzoji Temple (圓蔵寺, Enzōji), nestled in the serene town of Yanaizu about an hour from Aizu Wakamatsu, invites travelers to explore over 1,200 years of Buddhist history. Revered as one of Japan’s three principal temples dedicated to Kokuzo Bosatsu—the bodhisattva symbolizing infinite wisdom—this hillside sanctuary captivates with its grand Edo-period wooden hall and panoramic balcony modeled after Kyoto’s Kiyomizudera. The hall’s traditional wooden beauty harmonizes with its postwar concrete additions, creating a striking blend of heritage and preservation.

A stone stairway of roughly one hundred steps leads visitors to the main hall, while a gentler route from the upper parking area offers easier access. The expansive temple grounds, among the largest in Fukushima Prefecture, include tranquil sub-temples, monuments, and sweeping mountain views. Near the main hall stand two bull statues—one stone, one metal—tied to the beloved legend of Akabeko, the red cow said to have helped build the temple. Visitors often rub the bulls for strength, luck, and healing, honoring a symbol that became a cherished icon of the Aizu region.