TochigiTravel

Kongozan Bannanji Temple (金剛山鑁阿寺)

Flow of the course

Previous stop: Challenge yourselves as a family with kanji tests and classical Chinese text recitation at 'Japan's oldest school'Next stop: Climb 229 stone steps for a panoramic view of the vermillion shrine and the city at sunset

About this spot

An ancient Shingon Buddhist temple built on the site of the Ashikaga clan's former residence, with a main hall constructed in the Kamakura period designated as a national treasure. The earthen ramparts and moats encircling the grounds preserve the appearance of a samurai mansion. A towering ginkgo tree, said to be 650 years old, stands within the spacious temple grounds, perfect for children to take a break and refresh themselves. It's about a 5-minute walk from Ashikaga School along a stone-paved path.

Tips

Along the stone-paved approach, you'll find specialty shops selling the famous Taijōsama good-luck dumplings and nostalgic shooting galleries, making a post-visit stroll through the temple gate quarter enjoyable.