Overview
Jiho-ji is a Soto Zen Buddhist temple in Iichi-cho, Ena City, Gifu Prefecture. It enshrines Shakyamuni Buddha as its principal image and bears the mountain name Sokoku-zan. Known as the twenty-eighth station of the Ena Thirty-three Kannon pilgrimage, the temple sits quietly among the wooded hills. Rather than a showy sightseeing spot, it offers the plain, grounded atmosphere of a Zen temple rooted in local faith, making it a natural waypoint for travelers walking the Kannon pilgrimage through the hills of Ena.
Highlights
- ●A serene main hall enshrining Shakyamuni Buddha in true Soto Zen style
- ●The pilgrimage character of the 28th station of the Ena Thirty-three Kannon route
- ●Grounds cradled by wooded hills under the mountain name Sokoku-zan
- ●The quiet air of a Zen temple blending into the nature of Iichi-cho
History
As a Soto Zen temple, Jiho-ji has kept its Buddhist tradition alive while welcoming pilgrims as the twenty-eighth site of the Ena Thirty-three Kannon circuit. Its principal image is Shakyamuni Buddha and its mountain name is recorded as Sokoku-zan. Set in the mountain hamlet of Iichi-cho, the temple has walked alongside the lives of local residents. Because detailed records of its founding and building history are limited, visitors seeking precise dates or origins are encouraged to consult on-site notices or Ena City tourism sources for official information.
Access
The temple lies among the hills of Iichi-cho in Ena City, Gifu Prefecture, at roughly 35.477 degrees north and 137.290 degrees east, on the higher ground east of central Ena. Public transport here is limited, so reaching the temple by rental car or private vehicle from a base such as Ena Station is the practical option. Since the route includes mountain roads, it is wise to check current road conditions and parking availability through official sources before your visit.
Best season
The calm mood of this Zen temple can be enjoyed year-round, but the fresh green of spring and the autumn foliage that set off the surrounding hills are especially rewarding. As the temple stands in higher mountain terrain, mornings and evenings can be chilly, so bringing an extra layer will keep you comfortable. Please respect the quiet setting and take your time savoring how each season changes the scene.
Map
35.4771, 137.2906 · Wikidata
Suggested itinerary
- 1Gather information around Ena Station and drive toward the Iichi-cho area
- 2Visit Jiho-ji and offer quiet prayers at the 28th pilgrimage station
- 3Stroll the grounds slowly while taking in the hillside scenery
- 4Continue to other nearby stations of the Ena Thirty-three Kannon circuit
Did you know?
💡 The Ena Thirty-three Kannon pilgrimage links Kannon halls scattered across the wooded hills of Ena, and Jiho-ji serves as its twenty-eighth station. True to Soto Zen style, the unadorned grounds hold a stillness that makes them a fitting place to pause partway through the pilgrimage.
Nearby spots
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