Map of 13 temples at Gujo Hachiman

Although Gujo Hachiman is a small town, there are 13 temples built inside the town. Many temples, which are scattered to protect the town, are very close local people’s lives. Cherry blossoms in spring, fresh green in early summer, autumn leaves, all the sceneries of four seasons in this quiet space will make you feel very calm. Jion-zenji is a temple of Linji School. It was built in 1606 by Endo Yoshitaka, the lord of Gujo Hachiman Castle. One of the big highlights is Tessouen, one of the leading Zen Buddhist gardens in Gifu-ken. With the magnificent rocky mountains and waterfalls in the background, you can see the beautiful backyard garden where carps swimming in the pond and maple trees surrounding. In addition, the courtyard represented by white sand, is also rich in taste, and you can enjoy different faces from various angles by walking along the corridor too. Saishoji Temple located next to this Jionzen-ji Temple was founded in 1489 at current Hachiman-cho, Gujo-shi, and moved to the present location in 1624. The main hall, tower, and study hall are arranged neatly. The magnificent mountain gate made with the best of wooden architecture is also spectacular.

Daijoji Temple, which is located along Kodaragawa River, a little bit away from the center of the town, was founded in 1603 by Endo Yoshitaka, the lord of Gujo Hachiman Castle. The mountain gate with the bell tower was rebuilt in 1804, and it survived the great fire in Taisho era. It is designated as an Important Cultural Property of Gujo-shi. A Buddhist temple is protected by trees surrounding with the sound of river. Autumn is colored in all red with autumn leaves. On the other hand, Chokyoji Temple is the temple that Endo Yoshitaka made his own family temple. When you walk through Shokuninmachi, Kajiyamachi, you can see it at the end. It is also a tomb of Endo Yoshitaka. The red cherry blossom tree in front of the main hall blooms dark pink flowers vividly in srping. The most eye-catching among the houses in Yanagimachi is Annyoji Temple. The main hall is the largest wooden building in Gifu-ken. Construction started in 1256, and it moved to this area in 1881. Jodo Shinshu (New Buddhism) has been popularized under the name of Gujo Obo. The treasure hall with a number of treasures which have been protected for over 700 years is open to the public.