Iō-ji Temple

What it is

• A temple of the Buzan school of Shingon Buddhism known as Higashi-Koyasan.
• Founded in 765 by Shodo Shonin or in 809 by Kukai.
• The main deity is a statue of Yakshi Nyorai.
• The surrounding area is a designated Green Environment Conservation Area.

What to see

• The Golden Hall, which is a Tochigi Prefecture Tangible Cultural Property.
• A Karamon gate designated as a prefectural cultural property.
• An ancient kaya tree estimated to be approximately 800 years old.
• Historical structures rebuilt after a fire in the mid-17th century.

Getting there

• The temple is a 15-minute drive from the Tsuga Interchange.

Notes written by Japan Gems from facts in Japanese Wikipedia.