Experience Joruri-ji Temple: home to stunning 12th-century masterpiece buildings and wooden statuesJoruri-ji Temple, located amidst the serene pastoral, landscaped beauty of Kamo Town, is an outstanding National Treasure. It is also known as Kuhon-ji or Kutai-ji, where “ku” means nine, as the temple is home to nine fabulous Amitabha Buddha statues. Joruri means pure lapis lazuli. In all, the temple has four National Treasures and eight Important Cultural Properties. The entire complex, in terms of its design and layout (as a gateway to heaven: Amitabha Buddha’s Western Paradise) has remained unchanged since the late Heian period (794-1185).
Kutai Amida Butsu (Nine Amitabha Buddha statues): Dating from the 11th century, the series (a National Treasure) of nine seated wooden, gilded Amitabha Buddhas is the only one of its kind in Japan. The center statue, with four meditating Buddhas on each side, serves to receive the dead into eternity. Kissho Tennyo: This pristinely maintained Important Cultural Property, hardly faded by the passage of time, is only shown to the public for three times a year (1/1-1/15, 3/21-5/20, 10/1-11/30). The statue, surrounded by various paintings of other heavenly spirits, represents the Kissyo Tennyo: one of the Goddesses who ensure a good harvest and peace in the world. Joruri-ji Temple’s Pagoda: This 3-story pagoda, also a National Treasure, is painted bright red and seems to shine like a light from its green surroundings. It was moved from the area of Ichijo Omiya (Kyoto City) in 1178. The inside of the four double-doored gates of the pagoda are exquisitely painted with the eight different faces of the Buddha. On the walls are painted the 16 disciples of the Buddha that achieved enlightenment. The gates of the pagoda are opened only once a month (the 8th), the first 3 days of the New Year, and during the spring and fall equinox (weather permitting).
Information: Tel: 0774-76-2390. Access: take the JR Nara line from Kyoto station to Kamo station, and then take a Nara bound bus to Joruriji-mae.
Kunikyo Cosmos Festival
This festival is an attempt to recreate the markets of ancient times. Over 100 shops from Kyoto, Nara, Osaka, Mie and Shimane prefectures participate. A reproduction of the money used in those times will be used at the market. Special events will include traditional dance, illuminated by 200 kagaribi fire baskets.
Information: Tel: 0774-76-2970. Access: JR Nara line from Kyoto Stn. to Kamo Stn. (then board a free shuttle bus to the festival).