Saikoji Temple
According to temple tradition, in ancient times there was a simple thatched hut on this land, and those who practiced Buddhism did so continuously, giving it the name "temple of undiminishing continuity."
In 1546, the temple was rebuilt by Yuen Osho, a high-ranking Buddhist monk and younger brother of the 27th head of Jodo-shu, the main temple of Pure Land Buddhism.
He was visiting Horakuji temple in Minoh during his pilgrimage through various countries and was later invited to this area by the cooperation of faithful followers.
The temple was named Saikoji temple.
During the Edo period, this temple held a respected position among the area's other temples and was appointed head of the three districts by the famous monk of Jodo-shu, Ouyo Reigan shonin.
The temple's main hall's attic still contains wooden plaques dating back to 1652, 1697 and 1822, suggesting that the building's architectural style is more than four hundred years old.
It has been two hundred years since the last major renovation of the temple, which is now undergoing another major renovation in the current Reiwa era.
The establishment of temples is often due to the requests of powerful local figures, but this temple was built by the united efforts of ordinary people who had a deep faith. Past head priests worked together with Buddhist followers and local residents to preserve the temple to this day.
【Representative Buddhist Statues】
Main Principal Image: Amida Nyorai (Amitabha Tathagata) Statue (Kamakura period, attributed to An Ami [Kaikei], evaluated by a team including Mr. Ryouichi Kyuuki in 1891)
Choshiro Myoo (Lokanatha) Statue (Heian period, attributed to Ono no Hiro, evaluated by a team including Mr. Ryouichi Kyuuki in 1891)
Amida Sanzon (Amitabha Tathagata and two attendants) Welcome Picture (Muromachi period, evaluated by a team including Mr. Ryouichi Kyuuki in 1891)
