Murouji Temple

About the facility

The temple was built at the end of the Nara Era by a Kofukuji temple priest Kenkei in a prayer for the Crown Prince (who later became Emperor Kanmu) to recover from an illness. The temple was in decline for a period of time but was rebuilt during the Genroku Period of the Edo Era. From around this time, the temple allowed women to visit, as opposed to Koyasan Kongobuji Temple, which banned women from entering despite being the same sect of Shingon Buddhism. For this reason, Murouji was called "Nyonin Koya," which means a Koya for women, attracting women worshippers. The temple's grounds boast many constructions and Buddhism art that have been designated as national treasures and important cultural properties. The temple is also famous for being adorned with blossoms of rhododendron and maple leaves.