Yakuoin Temple
Mt Takao, Takaomachi, Hachioji, Tokyo 193-0844, Japan
Description:
On the slope of Mount Takao-san is the most beautiful temple of Yakuoin.
Pilgrims come here to pray to ancient mountain Shinto gods. A monk named Goki founded it in 744.
The sanctuaries of this temple are in a dense forest near the top of Mount Takao. The Yakuoin Temple is the only wildlife refuge in central Tokyo.
If you love walking in the mountains, then this is a sight for you.
Once this temple was dedicated only to Shinto deities. Here lived the servants of Tengu - the gods of the mountains with crow heads. But as Buddhism spread to Japan, some elements of the new religion began to emerge.
The entrance to the temple is blocked by the gates of Yosinmon, and next to remove a stele with the inscription: "Murder is forbidden."
For a fee, you can stay in the temple for a day and practice meditation and asceticism. The temple strictly preserves all the traditions laid down many centuries ago. Beautiful virgin nature, the icy waters of the mountain stream, all this will give an unforgettable impression.