The 3.5km long scenic Higashiyama hiking trail and the surrounding historical temples in eastern foothills, is an array of cultural assets to the city of Hida Takayama. It began to exist in 16th century. When Lord Kanamori Nagachika (1586-1692) built a castle town with construction of Takayama Castle in year 1588, he also built many temples on a sloping hilly area at the top of Yasugawa Street. Temples and Shrines are linked together by a walking course.
Under a warm morning sun, we set our feet on Yasugawa Street heading towards north direction to explore the historical temples and shrines district located at Teramachi. We passed by Takayama Betsuin Temple Treasue House which is the most respected temple to many locals beyond any Buddhist sects and linage.
Takayama Betsuin Temple Treasure House with a large Temple Gate in front and beautiful garden inside, belongs to Jodo Sect which is the main stream of Buddhism practiced in Hida region.
While studying the map, we caught sight of a huge wooden sculpture of Dragon King carved from a single wood log and a beautiful old stone lamp on the road side. It is true, there are many treasures along the track awaiting for us to discover.
The little red bridge over Enokogawa River is the starting point of the meandering path to Teramachi Temple District.
Walking through a quaint residential neighborhood, authentic and peaceful!
The fall foliage beautifully brushed up the little flow of Enokogawa River that quietly weave through residences.
I hardly can meet a tourist or even a local. It was as if a lost world.
There are several bridges spanned over Enokogawa River connecting the residents from one bank to the other.
The scenic sight appears more than a painting than a live scenery!
Gorgeous!
There was nobody around. I had this beautiful sight solely to myself, particularly at this moment.
Every where along the way is well-sign posted. Commencing from Temple Kyushoji, Temple Unryuji, Temple Eikyoin to Hakusan Jinja Shrine, we went through one by one, fully immersed in its cultural yet tranquil atmosphere.
Temples and Shrines are on the trail with some few minutes walk off the track.
Unryuuji Temple （云龙寺）
The double tiered Gate Tower of Unryuuji Temple is said to be moved from the Kouun Pavilion of Takayama Castle.
Each and every hall within the temple complex is very well restored and preserved.
The gorgeous garden of Unryuuji Temple and Eikyon Temple.
I remain the only admirer to all these remarkably trimming plants.
Stone Buddha images and Hall of Ten Deva are some of its artifacts.
White Mountain Shrine Hakusan Jinja established in year 720, was an expansive graveyard shrine set in the edge of a forest. It is the oldest Jinja Shrine in the region. The shrine was moved to here mainly due to the two huge cedars trees lying nearby in its original precincts and another reason was to avoid taboo with quarters of Takayama Castle at that time.
Daiouji Temple located just right on Yasukawa Street, is an outstanding Buddhist Monastery amongst the Higashiyama temple groups. Its unique hexagon Shrine Hall is beautiful.
Daiouji Temple used to be a large temple complex with five sub-temples but now remains only one.
There is a beautiful landscape garden with an old bronze statue and stone lamp at the site of Fang-zhang building in Daiouji Temple.
A pleasant garden, indeed!
Adjacent to the Fang-zhang hall, stand another cultural treasure, the little lovely Sho Rou Bell Tower.
Daiouji Temple is reputable for its large main shrine hall and its Niou Man Gate.
The imposing Niou man gate is one of the most important cultural assets in the region.
A look out view from a side gate of Daiouji Temple.
The whole temple complex of Daiouji is winded up by a tall stone wall with a beautifully grown old pine tree lean against it at the main entrance.
The trail weave its way through local homes to temples and shrines.
We found this lovely ancient stone sculpted animal placed along the lane towards Sogenji Temple.
Sogenji Buddhist Monastery (素玄寺) lies opposite to Daiouji Temple. It also stands high up on a tall stone wall with an impressive front gate. It was initially built as a family temple to Nagachika Kanamori (1586-1692) by his descendants.
The restored hall, stone lanterns and an old stone purifying basin are all cultural treasures.
The structure used to be a chamber within the backyard, was the main hall transferred from Takayama Castle.
A garden corner.
The Bell Tower stands at a spot that offers you a fantastic view of Takayama Town.
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