Chion-ji Temple — The Temple of Wisdom at Amanohashidate 🏯✨

From the “Ring of Wisdom” to Fortune Fan Omikuji — Highlights of Chion-ji Temple 🌸✨

Located about a 5-minute walk from Amanohashidate, Chion-ji Temple is one of Japan’s Three Great Monju Temples, along with Abe Monju-in in Sakurai, Nara, and Kameoka Monju in Takahata, Yamagata.

The temple enshrines Monju Bosatsu, the “Buddha of Wisdom,” who is well known from the proverb:

“San’nin yoreba Monju no chie” — “Three heads are better than one.”

Because of this, Chion-ji is widely visited by students and learners from across Japan, who come to pray for academic success, wisdom, and insight.

According to the temple’s ancient legend, the “Kusetobe Engi”, when the deities Izanagi and Izanami were creating the land of Japan, a fearsome dragon once rampaged through this region. To calm the chaos, they invited Monju Bosatsu from China’s sacred Mount Wutai, who transformed the evil dragon into a benevolent one — a story that symbolizes the triumph of wisdom and compassion.

Today, visitors can experience the temple’s many highlights — from the symbolic “Chie no Wa” (Ring of Wisdom), where one walks through to gain enlightenment, to the charming “Sensu Omikuji” (Fan-shaped fortune slips) that carry messages of luck and guidance — making Chion-ji not just a spiritual site, but a place full of beauty, culture, and discovery. 🏯💫

As you stroll down Chaya Street, a magnificent Sanmon Gate rises before you — the grand entrance to Chion-ji Temple.
This impressive structure is affectionately known as the “Golden Pavilion” (Kogane-kaku), a name that comes from the story that Empress Go-Sakuramachi bestowed gold for its reconstruction.

Built in the Zen architectural style, the gate is considered the largest of its kind in the Tango region. Its construction took a total of seven years, and the project was completed in September of 1767 (Meiwa 4).

It’s said that an astonishing 8,780 craftsmen were involved in its creation — a number that speaks volumes about the grandeur, precision, and artistry of this architectural masterpiece.

Standing beneath the towering gate, you can almost feel the centuries of devotion and craftsmanship that went into shaping one of Amanohashidate’s most awe-inspiring landmarks.

Passing through the grand Sanmon Gate and stepping into the temple grounds, the first thing you’ll notice on your left is the elegant Tahōtō (Two-Storied Pagoda).
It is said to have been built by the lord of Fuchū Castle in gratitude for his recovery from illness.
Constructed in 1499 (the 9th year of the Meiō era), this pagoda is the only surviving structure from the Muromachi period in the Tango region and is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan.

Directly across from the pagoda stand three life-sized stone statues of Buddhist deities.
These figures also appear in the famous ink painting “View of Amanohashidate” by Sesshū Tōyō, one of Japan’s greatest painters.
Judging from their posture — holding a sacred jewel in the left hand and a shakujo staff in the right — they are believed to represent Jizō Bosatsu (the Bodhisattva of Compassion), who protects travelers and guides souls with mercy and light.

Another fascinating spot within the temple grounds is the “Chikara Ishi” (Stones of Strength) — three large stones once used by young men to test their power during temple festivals and local celebrations.

There are three sizes lined up:

• Large: about 130 kg

• Medium: about 100 kg

• Small: about 70 kg

According to legend, those who touch these stones are blessed with both strength and wisdom. 💫
Even if you can’t lift them (and few can!), make sure to place your hand on the stones before you leave — you just might feel a little extra power and clarity flow through you!

As you make your way toward the Main Hall, you’ll first notice, on the left-hand side, a large Iron Purification Basin (Tetsu-yubune) used for washing one’s hands before prayer.
This basin was originally crafted during the Kamakura period as an iron bathtub, once used by temple monks for ritual bathing in the great bathhouse.
After purifying yourself here, it’s time to head to the temple’s most sacred site — the magnificent Monju-dō Hall.

The Monju Bosatsu (Manjushri Bodhisattva), enshrined in this hall, is the deity of wisdom, said to bestow intelligence, insight, and clarity upon those who pray with sincerity.
The hall’s copper-roofed architecture exudes quiet dignity, and while the statue of Monju Bosatsu is a hidden Buddha (hibutsu) not shown to the public, it is revealed only five days a year —

• January 1–3 (New Year’s Days)

• January 10 (Tōka Ebisu Festival)

• July 24 (Deshūn-sai / Departure Festival)
  If you wish to see the image, plan your visit around these special days when the sacred doors are opened.

After paying your respects, don’t miss the Bell Tower Gate (Shōrō-mon) standing beside the main hall.
It was built in 1722 (Kyōhō 7) by Masa Hide Kimura, a merchant from Miyazu who lost his two beloved children.
The gate is named “Gyōun-kaku”, after their Buddhist posthumous names, and features a unique Ryūgū-mon style — with turtle-shaped bases and forward-curving eaves that resemble the Dragon Palace of legend.
Its graceful, fantastical design truly captures the spirit of the sea temple.

On your way from the main hall toward the sightseeing boat pier, look to your right and you’ll find the sacred tree “Bunju” (Tree of Wisdom and Blessing).
Its name connects deeply to Monju Bosatsu, and the character “文” (bun) can also mean “to adorn.”
Locals say, “Fortune comes to those who adorn their life with wisdom.”
It’s said that the tree’s fragrant resin emits a divine aura and is even used to make high-quality incense — a fitting role for such a spiritually charged and ancient tree. 🌿💫

To conclude your visit to Chion-ji Temple, don’t forget one of its most charming traditions — drawing an omikuji (fortune slip).
Among the many types available, the one that truly stands out is the “Suehiro Sensu Omikuji” (Folding Fan Fortune).

All around the temple grounds, you’ll notice tiny fans tied to pine trees, blooming like colorful flowers — these are the Suehiro Sensu Omikuji! 🌸
When you open the fan, it reveals your fortune — a delightful twist on the classic omikuji.
Although you might want to take it home as a keepsake, the custom is to tie the fan to one of the pine trees within the temple grounds, symbolizing the spreading of good luck and wisdom.
So after making your prayers, why not test your fortune and let your own fan blossom among the pines? 🍃

And before you leave, make sure to visit one last highlight — the “Chie no Wa Tōrō” (Wisdom Ring Lantern), located near the boat pier north of the temple.
Originally built to pray for safe voyages, this stone lantern features a circular opening known as the “Ring of Wisdom.”
Legend says that if you pass through the ring three times, you’ll be granted the wisdom of Monju Bosatsu.

But be careful — you’re not supposed to pass through with your whole body!
So… how will you find a clever way to go through the ring?
Perhaps, as the saying goes, “Three heads are better than one” — gather your friends, share ideas, and you just might figure it out together! 💭🪷