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Jōruri-ji Temple

Jōruri-ji is a Buddhist temple of the Shingon Ritsu school known for its Heian-era Paradise garden, one of the few that survive. At the centre of the grounds is a large pond with a small island and a shrine dedicated to Benzaiten. On the east bank stands a three-storey pagoda housing a statue of Yakushi Nyorai, while on the west bank is the Main Hall (Hall of the Nine Amida), which contains nine seated statues of Amida Nyorai, the central one being the largest. The group of nine Amida, the pagoda, the main hall and the statues of the Four Heavenly Kings are designated National Treasures. The garden was designed so that, when looking from the other side of the pond, Amida's face is reflected in the water, offering a symbolic vision of the Pure Land. The grounds also keep a statue of Kichijōten (Important Cultural Property) and other sculptures. The garden was restored in 1976 by the landscape designer Mori Osamu and is declared a Special Place of Scenic Beauty and a National Historic Site.

Near Jōruri-ji Temple