Kanzan-ji Temple Ruins
OVERVIEW
Traversing Centuries: Exploring an Ancient Temple in Northern Nagahama
**IMPORTANT NOTE**
This area is remote and there have been confirmed sightings of animals such as bears . Please do not enter on your own. If you’re interested in exploring, consider joining a guided tour.
This 1300-year-old temple, nestled in the woods atop a small mountain in the northern region of Nagahama, is a favored hiking spot. Enthusiasts are drawn not only to the temple’s ancient history but also to the diverse and lush forest that blankets the mountain. Legend has it that one Japanese Emperor, inspired by a dream, envisioned this temple 1300 years ago. However, its exact location was unknown, prompting scouts to embark on a quest to find it, leading to the eventual construction of the temple.
The temple grounds sit a short distance from the mountain’s peak. Nearby, visitors can find a Shinto shrine and a natural spring that feeds a pond aside quiet open meadow clearings. The variety of sub-tropical, seasonal hardwoods, and evergreen trees create a distinct and captivating atmosphere throughout the forest.
Closings
Inaccessible during snow season
Tours
To request a guided tour, please use the contact form on this website.