“Iou-ji Temple” is built on the hillside, which can be reached by traversing along a narrow, sloping path and up long stairs. It was said to have been founded by the high priest Kukai in the Heian Period (794-1185).
The wooden Bhaisajyaguru statue (the Buddha to cure all ills) was designated as an Important Cultural Property of Hiroshima and is open to public once every six years.
In 1826, a Dutch doctor, Siebold, stated in “Edo Sanpu Kiko” that he visited Iou-ji Temple by climbing up a few hundred feet of high, steep mountain. Such a description makes us realize just how hard the trek he went through was.
At the temple gate, there are two Kongorikishi statues on both sides, with a big and a small pair of Waraji (Straw sandals). From this and the gallant Nio statues, it’s clear that temple was cherished as the place to go to wish for good luck in the ancient times.
Not to mention the view from “Iou-ji Temple” is stunning! Take the stairs starting from behind the prescient and take a trek all the way along the stone stairs to the top and you too will be rewarded with that breathtaking view.
Iou-ji Temple
Address/ 1397 Ushiroji, Tomo-cho, Fukuyama-shi, Hiroshima
Tel/+81-84-982-3076
