龍岩寺 Ryugan-ji Ryuganji Temple
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Ryuganji Temple located in Innai–cho, Usa City in Oita Pref. is said to have been established by the monk Gyoki in 746. This temple is the only one existing wooden structure built in the Kamakura period. Okunoin (back temple) and Sanzon-zo (three images of Buddha) made of plain wood are designated as national Important Cultural Properties. During the Tensho era (1573-92) the temple was destructed by fire by Christian Daimyo Sorin Otomo’s order to set fire to all the temples in his territory. Only Okunoin with its principal images remained unburned and has existed up to the present time. The three plain wood images of Buddha are said to have been made out of one piece of camphor wood. The kizahashi (log ladder) leaned under the floor of Okunoin hall is a very rare type of ladder, which can’t be found any other place but at Ise-Jungu Shrine. The ladder is said to have been built by the monk Gyoki in one night. This hall as well as the three images of Buddha is very elegant national property. This temple and Fuki Temple in Bungotakada City are considered as the two most precious cultural properties in Oita Pref. The name of the town “Innai” comes from the legend that this temple was one of the 49 in (temples) established by the monk Gyoki.
- address
- 290-2 Daimon, Innai-machi, Usa, Oita Prefecture, 872-0344
- name
- Ryuganji Temple