The trail continued weaving its way uphill to Hokkeji Temple, Zennouji Temple and Soyuji Temple. Most of the temples were established or transferred during the reign of Kanamori Samurai period (1586-1692). They stand on the ridge at Eastern hill foot connecting to each other by a course, through courtyards or by internal walk ways.
Hokkeji Temple was built in year 1588 and was the only temple in Hida region, belonging to Nichiren Sect Buddhism. It was donated by Shigeyori Kanamori as a family temple to Mitusumasa Kato who was exiled to Hida and died at an age of twenty. The temple was set at the edge of a densely wooded hill.
The whole building of Hokkeji Temple's Main Shrine Hall was said to be moved from Takayama Castle and made it the Hondo of the temple by Shigeyori Kanamori. It looks more like a college than a Buddha Hall from external architecture appearance. There is a stone image of Buddha standing next to Main Shrine Hall known as Arai botoke. It was believed that sick people if wash the Buddha with a scrubbing brush at the part where he suffered, his illness would be recovered.
The pair of old stone lanterns at the site inscribed on it the benefit of light offering in Buddhism. One who offers light in any form to Buddha, shall obtain Buddha's eyes (able to illuminating the one substance underlying all diversities).
The Bell tower and inscribed stone stele.
An historical ruins site.
It looks like the time has stopped here.
Some historical ruins and vestiges are beyond the stone steps.
An Old wooden view-offering bridge!
Zennouji Temple was restored and relocated at the present site after burnt down in battle. It was a family temple to Mitsuki who lost battle to Nagachika Kanamori.
The main image of Buddha Nyoirin Kannon enshrined in Zennouji Temple was made in India and instructed to ship back by a Buddhist Zen Master Sousei. Images of Dizhang Bodhisattva with a baby are rarely seen in other countries but only in Japan. And here is another one made from marble stone, erected outside the hall.
Zen class is offered at the Zazen hall inside the Main Shrine Hall of Zennouji Temple, to any one who is interested in Zen and want to experience it.
The artistically landscaped garden behind the buildings of Soyuuji Temple is only opened to public on certain special occasions. It is considered a prime example of the refined samurai family culture in Takayama.
Soyuuji Temple established by two brothers Shigeyori and Shigekatsu Kanamori in 1632 to pray for the salvation of their father, was built next to a stone wall made up from huge stones removed from Takayama Castle.
The Main Shrine Hall of Soyuuji Temple was built in a Zen style, on a platform with stone pavement flooring. Three sides of the building are opened to the surroundings. It looks firm and stable externally, like a strong independent structure.
The multi layers Buddhist Monastery of Soyuuji Temple belongs to Rinzai sect Buddhism. It was said that the temple was the place where famous Samurai and founder of swordsmanship, Yamaoka Tesshu (1836-1888) spent his teenage, studied and learned Zen when his father was a county officer in Takayama.
We love this old wooden entrance gate of Soyuuji Temple, simple, modest and graceful.
Old homes quarter with courtyard fully occupied by pots of colorful autumn flowers beneath the complex of Soyuuji Temple.
Joining old folks to admire the seasonal blossom chrysanthemum.
Typical Japanese rural villages along the trail towards Shiroyama Park where the ruins of Takayama Castle are. We end our trailing here as we did not have time to stroll the park.
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