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Yoshino-cho
Kimpusen-ji Temple's Zao-do Hall


National Treasure, National Important Cultural Property
Nara Period
En no Gyoja, Zao Gongen 		Kimpusen-ji is a symbol of Mt. Yoshino and the head temple for mountaineering asceticism (shugendo). According to legend, the temple was founded by the founder of shugendo, the semilegendary ascetic En no Gyoja, and the statues of Zao Gongen (bodhisattva which is said to have control over all evil) were installed by Saint Shoporigen-daishi.
About 9 m wide, 11 m deep, and 34 m high, the Zao-do hall with a cypress bark roof is Japan's second largest wooden construction, next to the Great Buddha Hall of Todaiji Temple in the city of Nara. Reconstructed in 1591, the hall is an excellent example of late Muromachi Period style architecture. Composed of a sanctum and a room of worship, its interior boasts 68 pillars made of untreated pine and cedar timbers, presenting a grand spectacle.
The two gold-plated pillars and the dais for a Buddhist image are said to have been contributed by national unifier Toyotomi Hideyoshi (1537-98) during the Momoyama Period. Enshrined are three Zao Gongen statues, all designated as national important cultural properties, among which is the seven-meter tall principal deity.

Source: The Yoshino municipal government

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