Ankoku-ji Temple

Overview

Ankoku-ji Temple is located in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, and belongs to the Myōshin-ji branch of Rinzai Buddhism, with the mountain name Taiheizan and Shakyamuni Buddha as its principal image. Tradition holds it was founded in 1347, and its sutra repository is designated a National Treasure.

Highlights

• ●Enshrines Shakyamuni Buddha as its principal image
• ●Home to a sutra repository designated a National Treasure
• ●Ranked 11th on the Hida Thirty-three Kannon pilgrimage route
• ●The sutra repository is a component of the Japan Heritage 'Hida no Takumi Craftsmanship and Spirit / Medieval Shrine and Temple Architecture of the Kokufu Basin'

History

The temple is traditionally said to have been founded in 1347, during the Nanboku-chō period, as a temple of the Myōshin-ji branch of Rinzai Buddhism. Its sutra repository, designated a National Treasure, stands as a symbol of the temple's long history, and the temple has also drawn devotion as the 11th sacred site on the Hida Thirty-three Kannon pilgrimage route. In 2016, the sutra repository was recognized as part of the Japan Heritage designation 'Hida no Takumi Craftsmanship and Spirit / Medieval Shrine and Temple Architecture of the Kokufu Basin'.

Map

36.2246, 137.2450 · Wikidata

Suggested itinerary

1. 1Enter the temple grounds and pay respects at the principal image, Shakyamuni Buddha
2. 2View the sutra repository, a designated National Treasure
3. 3Learn about its history as the 11th site on the Hida Thirty-three Kannon pilgrimage route
4. 4Discover its role as a component of the Japan Heritage designation

Did you know?

💡 The temple's sutra repository is designated a National Treasure and was also recognized as a Japan Heritage component in 2016.

Nearby spots