Virtual Arima County 33 Kannon Pilgrimage #3 Onsen-ji Temple

 

     According to the legend, in 724, Bhaisajyaguru inspired Gyoki (668-749) to revive Arima Onsen, or the Arima Hot Springs, which was in decline.  He founded Onsen-ji Temple with Bhaiṣajyaguru as its main deity.

     In 1097, a flood destroyed Onsen-ji Temple, but it was rebuilt in 1191 by Priest Ninsei, who restored Arima Onsen, inspired by Kumano Gongen.

     The entire temple was destroyed by fire in 1576, but was quickly rebuilt.  It subsequently suffered another fire, and, in 1590, the Yakushi-do Hall was rebuilt by Nene (1549-1624).  After it burned down during the Edo Period (1603-1868), the current Yakushi-do Hall was rebuilt in 1781.

     With the anti-Buddhist movement at the beginning of the Meiji Period (1868-1912), Onsen-ji Temple was abolished, and all of the buildings and pagodas except for the Yakushi-do Hall were demolished.  Subsequently, Seiryo-in Temple, which was the inner sanctuary of the abolished former Onsen-ji Temple, took over the temple's status and continues to this day.

Address: 1643 Arimacho, Kita \ward, Kobe, Hyogo 651-1401

Phone: 078-904-0650