20 Temples in Mie worth your time

An independent eighth-century temple in Ise featuring a unique dragon floor pattern and an Eleven-faced Kannon statue.

What it is

• An independent temple founded in 712 by the priest Gyoki.
• The main deity is a statue of the Eleven-faced Kannon.
• The site does not belong to any specific Buddhist sect.

What to see

• A natural dragon-like pattern visible on the main hall floorboards.
• A bronze giboshi ornament located on the roof of the main hall.
• The central Eleven-faced Kannon statue housed within the temple.

When to go

• Daily visiting hours are held from 8:00 to 16:00.
• The Hatsuuma Festival takes place annually every March.
• A temple market is held on the 18th of every month.
• The Millionfold Prayer ceremony occurs every August 9th.

Getting there

• A five-minute walk from the Matsuo Kannon bus stop.
• Parking is available at the nearby Kuratayama Park.

Official site

matsuokannonji.com

Read more about Matsuo Kannon-ji Temple

A historic Shingon sect temple in Iga City featuring rare cultural properties and a connection to the Tensho Iga War.

What it is

• A Shingon Omuro sect temple dedicated to the healing deity Yakushi Nyorai.
• Founded by Shun-ei Hoin during the Muromachi period.
• The thirty-sixth station on the Mie Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage route.
• The original buildings were destroyed by Oda Nobunaga's forces in 1581.

What to see

• A mandala painting from the Muromachi period designated as a prefectural cultural property.
• A black lacquered wooden shrine recognized as a city cultural property.
• The main deity statue which is unveiled to the public every thirty-three years.

When to go

• February 3rd for the annual Setsubun ceremony.

Getting there

• A twenty-minute walk from Iga-Ueno Station.
• Located within walking distance of Ueno Castle and Takakura Shrine.

Read more about Tokuraku-ji Temple

An ancient Buddhist temple in Suzuka dedicated to the Thousand-Armed Kannon and part of the Mie Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage.

What it is

• A Koyasan Shingon sect Buddhist temple founded between 729 and 749.
• The temple is dedicated to the Thousand-Armed Kannon Bodhisattva.
• It serves as the 19th stop on the Mie Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage.
• The institution is also known by the names Unrinzan and Fumonin.

What to see

• A Tenjin shrine built on the temple grounds in 1985.
• Historical structures restored in 1605 and again in the early 1800s.
• The site is located in Suzuka City near the Suzuka Circuit.

When to go

• The Tenjin Festival is held annually on July 25th.
• Goma fire rituals for academic success occur on the 25th of every month.

Getting there

• The temple is 3.6 kilometers west of Kintetsu Shiroko Station.

Read more about Jion-ji Temple

A 16th-century Shingon Buddhist temple in Suzuka featuring a historic weeping ginkgo tree and ties to the Oda clan.

What it is

• A Shingon Buzan Buddhist temple founded in 1559 by Hoin Shosei Shonin
• The main deity enshrined at this location is Yakushi Nyorai
• It served as a prayer temple for the historical figure Oda Nobutaka
• The site is a designated stop on the Mie Shikoku 88 Pilgrimage

What to see

• A weeping ginkgo tree estimated to be over 350 years old
• Reconstructed buildings that replaced original structures lost in an Edo period earthquake

When to go

• The temple holds a Hatsuuma ritual every March
• Visitors receive free sweet sake and food on April 21st

Getting there

• Located approximately 0.6 kilometers southwest of Suzuka City Station

Read more about Shinpuku-ji Temple

Enman-ji Temple offers historic Buddhist statues and a unique collection of Kannon figures.

What it is

• A Buddhist temple in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture.
• Its mountain name is Nagasawa-zan.
• Dedicated to Dainichi Nyorai as its principal image.
• Temple buildings existed in the early Edo period.

What to see

• Principal image of Dainichi Nyorai from the early Edo period.
• Main hall houses Bato Kannon and Kobo Daishi statues.
• One thousand Buddha statues behind the main hall.
• Kannon-do hall with 33 Kannon stone statues.

When to go

• The temple holds the Otebiki Kannon event annually.

Getting there

• About 1.3 km northwest of Suzuka Interchange.

Address

三重県鈴鹿市長沢町782 Map

Read more about Enman-ji Temple (Suzuka)

Visit this historic Buddhist temple to see important cultural properties and experience unique festivals.

What it is

• A Buddhist temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect.
• Dedicated to Amida Nyorai, its main deity.
• One of Japan's three great Kangiten temples.
• Rebuilt in 1662 with Matsudaira Sadashige's support.

What to see

• Enshrines Kangiten, a revered deity.
• Houses the Important Cultural Property "Shaka Hasso Jodo-zu."
• See the Mie Prefecture Tangible Cultural Property "Wooden Amida Nyorai Standing Statue."

When to go

• Setsubun festival is held annually on February 3rd.
• Kuwana Shoten Grand Festival is on April 1st and 2nd.
• Ise Dai Kagura is dedicated on April 2nd.

Address

三重県桑名市東方1426 Map

Read more about Daifukuden-ji Temple

Renkō-in Temple: ancient Shingon temple founded by Prince Shotoku, home to significant Buddhist statues.

What it is

• A Shingon-shu Omuro-ha temple.
• Founded in 614 by Prince Shotoku.
• Became a prayer temple for the Todo family in the Edo period.
• The 64th Fudasho of the Mie Shikoku 88 Sacred Places.

What to see

• Principal image is Batō Kannon, for warding off evil.
• Wooden seated Dainichi Nyorai statue is a national cultural property.
• Wooden seated Amida Nyorai statue is a national cultural property.
• Gyōran Kannon for good fishing, business, and matchmaking.

When to go

• Hatsuuma-e-shiki is held on the first day of the horse in March.

Address

三重県津市栄町3-210 Map

Read more about Renkō-in Temple

Raigō-ji Temple is a historic Buddhist site with important cultural properties, easily accessible from Matsusaka Station.

What it is

• A Tendai Shinsei sect Buddhist temple.
• Founded between 1504 and 1521 by Kitabatake Zaichika.
• Relocated in 1588 with Matsusaka Castle construction.

What to see

• The main image is Amida Nyorai.
• Main hall is a National Important Cultural Property.
• Back gate is a Municipal Cultural Property.
• Back gate may be from Matsusaka Castle.
• Memorial for Kadoya Shichirobei and family is a cultural property.
• The grave of Matsumoto Jado is a cultural property.

Getting there

• 10-minute walk from JR and Kintetsu Matsusaka Station.

Address

三重県松阪市白粉町512 Map

Read more about Raigō-ji Temple

A Jodo sect temple in Mie Prefecture housing a nationally designated wooden Amida Nyorai statue from the Edo period.

What it is

• A Jodo sect temple originally founded by the monk Gyoki in 728
• The current structures were rebuilt during the Edo period after a fire in 1583
• The temple is dedicated to the main deity Amida Nyorai
• It is located in Kameyama and carries the mountain name Kikakusan

What to see

• A wooden standing statue of Amida Nyorai designated as an Important Cultural Property
• The nearby Nomura Ichirizuka which serves as a national historic milestone on the Tokaido road
• A preserved road marker that retains its original shape from the Edo period

Read more about Jion-ji Temple

Modern Buddhist temple dedicated to Kobo Daishi, offering unique seasonal events and a historic shrine.

What it is

• A modern Buddhist temple.
• Its mountain name is Kobo-san.
• Dedicated to the main deity Kobo Daishi.

What to see

• Family crests dedicated on the main hall ceiling.
• An Inari Daimyojin shrine on the temple grounds.
• Namuho Jizo Bosatsu-do, existing since before the war.

When to go

• October 10 for a family crest prosperity prayer meeting.
• Winter solstice for a stroke prevention service.
• Winter solstice for pumpkin zenzai served to visitors.

Getting there

• About 1km from Kintetsu Tomida Station.

Address

三重県四日市市西富田2丁目-5-6 Map

Read more about Tamura-ji Temple

Segi-dera Temple is a historic Buddhist site known for its unique fire ritual and cultural properties.

What it is

• A Shingon-shu Daigo-ha Buddhist temple.
• Rebuilt during the Kenchō era (1249-1255).
• Moved to its current location in 1671.
• Known for prayers for naming children.

What to see

• A stone statue of Kōbō Daishi.
• A ceramic sutra container, an Important Cultural Property.
• A wooden Aizen Myōō seated statue, a tangible cultural property.

When to go

• July 7th for the Saitōōgoma fire ritual.
• The Saitōōgoma is one of Japan's three great goma.

Getting there

• About 800m from Ujiyamada Station.

Address

三重県伊勢市岡本2丁目10-80 Map

Read more about Segi-dera Temple

A historic Buddhist temple rebuilt after war, featuring unique cultural properties and a plum tree.

What it is

• A Shingon-shu Buzan-ha Buddhist temple.
• Its main deity is Yakushi Nyorai.
• Rebuilt by Jitsue after the Tensho Iga War.
• Rebuilt again by Shugaku during the Kanei era.

What to see

• Main hall enshrines Yakushi Sanzon and Juni Shinsho.
• Temple grounds have a Hokyointo.
• An old red plum tree is a city natural monument.
• Two Waniguchi are city tangible cultural properties.

When to go

• Daihannya event is held annually on January 21.

Getting there

• About 4km southwest from Tsuge Station.

Address

三重県伊賀市下柘植2262 Map

Read more about Jinnō-ji Temple

Shin-daibutsu-ji Temple, founded in 1202, houses important statues and a Basho monument.

What it is

• A Shingon-shu Chizan-ha temple.
• Founded in 1202 by Minamoto no Yoritomo.
• Chogen was the founding priest.
• An Iga branch temple of Todai-ji Temple.

What to see

• Principal image is Rushanabutsu, known as "Awa no Daibutsu-san."
• Principal image's head was made by sculptor Kaikei.
• Haiku monument by Matsuo Basho.
• Wooden seated Nyorai statue, a National Important Cultural Property.
• Wooden seated Shunjo Shonin statue, a National Important Cultural Property.
• Wooden seated monk statue, a National Important Cultural Property.

Address

三重県伊賀市富永1238番地 Map

Read more about Shin-daibutsu-ji Temple

Kanbodaiji is a historic Shingon temple with important cultural properties and a rare hidden Buddha.

What it is

• A Shingon-shu Buzan-ha temple.
• Also known as Shogatsudo.
• Principal image is Eleven-faced Kannon Bodhisattva.

What to see

• Main hall is a National Important Cultural Property.
• Romon gate is a National Important Cultural Property.
• Wooden Eleven-faced Kannon standing statue is a hidden Buddha.
• Hidden Buddha shown once every 33 years.

When to go

• Shushoue festival held annually from February 11th to 12th.
• Shushoue is a Mie Prefecture Intangible Folk Cultural Property.

Address

三重県伊賀市島ヶ原1349 Map

Read more about Kanbodai-ji Temple

A Jodo Shinshu temple in Yokkaichi featuring a historic main hall and a gate relocated from the former Kuwana Castle.

What it is

• A Jodo Shinshu Hongwanji-ha temple also known by the mountain name Seikizan.
• Founded originally as a training hall by Sakuma Myoshin.
• The main hall was moved here from Gonjo-ji Temple in 1878.
• The current temple gate was originally part of Kuwana Castle.

What to see

• The main hall which was originally constructed during the Horeki era.
• A historic gate relocated to this site in March 1926.
• A specific roof tile on the gate inscribed with the year 1721.

Read more about Sho'on-ji Temple

Komyoji Temple, founded by Gyoki Bosatsu, offers a glimpse into Buddhist history and art.

What it is

• Buddhist temple of the Shingon-shu Buzan-ha sect.
• Founded by Gyoki Bosatsu.
• Principal image is Kannon Bodhisattva.
• Named by Emperor Kazan.

What to see

• Principal image carved by Kobo Daishi (Kukai).
• Kannon-do hall contains Saigoku Sanjusan Kannon Pilgrimage statues.

When to go

• Annual events in February, March, and October.

Getting there

• 3-minute walk from Oiwake Station.
• 3-minute walk from Tomari Station.

Address

三重県四日市市泊山崎町3-5 Map

Read more about Kōmyō-ji Temple

Ancient temple on Mt. Asama, rebuilt in 1609, protecting Ise Grand Shrine, with unique customs.

What it is

• Rinzai sect temple on Mt. Asama's southern peak.
• Reportedly restored by Kūkai in 825.
• Became a Zen temple in the late 14th century.
• Known as the 'demon gate protector' of Ise Grand Shrine.

What to see

• Main image is Kokūzō Bosatsu.
• Main hall, rebuilt in 1609, is Important Cultural Property.
• Items related to Kuki Yoshitaka are housed here.
• Gokuraku Bridge is an Ise City Tangible Cultural Property.
• Asamayama Kyozuka Group is a National Historic Site.

Address

三重県伊勢市朝熊町岳548 Map

Read more about Kongōshō-ji Temple

Matsumoto-in is a historic Buddhist temple with Noh masks, easily accessible from Iga Railway stations.

What it is

• A Buddhist temple of the Shingon-shu Daigo-ha sect.
• Its mountain name is Chorai-san.
• Founded in 1616.
• Principal image is Fudo Myoo.

What to see

• Noh masks donated by Todo Takahisa.

When to go

• Has a deep connection with Ueno Tenjin Festival.

Getting there

• 0.8km south of Iga Railway Uenoshi Station.
• 0.6km west of Iga Railway Kayacho Station.
• 1.2km north of Meihan National Highway Ueno-higashi Interchange.

Address

三重県伊賀市西日南町1739 Map

Read more about Matsumoto-in Temple

Gyōjun-ji Temple is a historic Jodo Shinshu temple with a connection to Rennyo.

What it is

• Founded in 827, originally a Shingon sect temple.
• Became Jodo Shinshu in 1448, belongs to Shinshu Otani sect.
• A central temple of Jodo Shinshu in Northern Ise.
• Former site of Rennyo.

What to see

• Principal image is Amitābha Tathāgata.
• Current main hall rebuilt in 1745.
• Possesses a wooden statue of Shinran.
• Stores old documents related to Hokusei Ikko Ikki.

When to go

• Rennyo-ki is held annually in late April.

Address

三重県いなべ市北勢町南中津原754 Map

Read more about Gyōjun-ji Temple

Kenshoji Temple is a historic Rinzai Zen temple with important statues and family graves.

What it is

• A Rinzai sect Myoshinji school temple.
• Founded in 1644 by Hijikata Okataka.
• Family temple of the Hijikata clan.

What to see

• Graves of successive Hijikata family lords.
• Main image: seated Shaka Nyorai statue.
• Seated Kobo Daishi statue.
• Amida Nyorai statue.
• Statue of high priest Mokuan.
• Benten Son-ten, one of the Suzuka Seven Lucky Gods.

Getting there

• 5-minute walk from Kintetsu Yunoyama Line Komono Station.

Address

三重県三重郡菰野町大字菰野158 Map

Read more about Kenshō-ji Temple