Zuihozan Honzan Jionji Temple (瑞宝山本山慈恩寺)

Flow of the course

About this spot

A distinguished ancient temple of Tohoku, said to have been founded during the Tenpyo era with nearly 1,300 years of history. During the Edo period, it boasted the largest temple holdings in Tohoku, with impressive temple buildings including the main hall, three-story pagoda, and gate lining the mountainside. The main hall, crowned by a magnificent thatched roof, is designated a National Important Cultural Property, and the entire "Former Jionji Temple Grounds" is designated a National Historic Site. The temple houses a collection of Buddhist statues from the Heian and Kamakura periods, allowing visitors to commune slowly with these serene figures—a unique experience of this temple. Enveloped by stone steps and towering cryptomeria trees, the tranquil grounds uplift the spirit simply by walking through them. This is a temple worthy of a three-generation visit, offering historical tales for grandchildren and cherished moments of prayer for grandparents.

Tips

About 10 minutes by car from Cherry Land, with free parking available. Main hall viewing requires a small admission fee at the reception. The grounds feature many stone steps and gravel paths, so comfortable walking shoes and a walking stick are advisable for elders. Shoes must be removed indoors; easy-to-slip-on shoes make transitions smooth. Walking at a leisurely pace helps reduce physical strain.

Best time to visit

Plan for about 1 hour. Morning visits are particularly quiet and recommended. The dappled sunlight filtering through the cryptomeria trees is especially beautiful in late morning.

Access & map

〒990-0511 Sagae-shi, Yamagata Prefecture, Jionji 31