Senko-ji Temple

In short

Senko-ji Temple is a Shingon Buddhist temple said to have been founded by Kobo Daishi in 806, during the early Heian period. Situated halfway up Mt. Senkoji, which rises behind the town of Onomichi, it overlooks the Onomichi Channel, Mukaishima Island, and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea beyond. The vermilion-lacquered main hall is constructed in an unusual butai-zukuri (stage style) and is affectionately known as "Akado" (Red Hall).

• ​View from the Main Hall's Stage​​: Standing on the stage of the Akado, the townscape of Onomichi and the Onomichi Channel with passing vessels unfold right before your eyes
• ​Tama no Iwa and Giant Rocks​​: According to legend, a jewel atop the Tama no Iwa (Jewel Rock) next to the main hall once illuminated the sea every night
• ​The Bell Tower That Told the Time​​: The bell of the bell tower is known as the "Bell of Time," and in 1996 it was selected as one of the "100 Soundscapes of Japan"

History and Highlights

​Senko-ji Temple​ is a Shingon Buddhist temple said to have been founded by Kobo Daishi in 806, during the early Heian period. Situated halfway up Mt. Senkoji, which rises behind the town of Onomichi, it commands a sweeping view overlooking the Onomichi Channel, Mukaishima Island, and the islands of the Seto Inland Sea beyond.

The vermilion-lacquered main hall is constructed in an unusual butai-zukuri (stage style) and is affectionately known as "Akado" (Red Hall). The hall was built in 1686 during the Edo period, and its vibrant red appearance is also depicted in "Horoki" (Song of the Vagabond) by Hayashi Fumiko, an author associated with Onomichi. The principal image, the Thousand-Armed Kannon, is a hidden Buddhist image unveiled only once every 33 years and is also called the "Fire-Preventing Kannon."

Viewing and Experience Highlights

• ​View from the Main Hall's Stage​​: Standing on the stage of the Akado, the townscape of Onomichi and the Onomichi Channel with passing vessels unfold right before your eyes.
• ​Tama no Iwa and Giant Rocks​​: Numerous large boulders are scattered across the temple grounds. According to legend, a jewel atop the Tama no Iwa (Jewel Rock) next to the main hall once illuminated the sea every night, which is said to have led to the mountain being called Mt. Daiho, the temple Senko-ji, and the harbor Tamanoura. From the top of Kusari-yama (Mt. Ishizuchi), which is climbed using chains, visitors can enjoy a different view from that of the main hall.
• ​The Bell Tower That Told the Time​​: The bell of the bell tower is known as the "Bell of Time" and has signaled the hour to the town and neighboring seas since around 1688 in the early Genroku era of the Edo period. In 1996, it was selected as one of the "100 Soundscapes of Japan."

Walking Tips

It is about a 15-minute walk from JR Onomichi Station to the lower station of the Mt. Senkoji Ropeway. After riding the ropeway to the mountain summit and descending along the "Path of Literature" in Senko-ji Park, you will arrive at Senko-ji Temple in about 10 minutes. The summit observation deck and the literary monuments along the "Path of Literature" are introduced under the "Senko-ji Park" spot guide. After your visit, walking down the slopes and stone steps toward Neko-no-Hosomichi Alley and the Tennei-ji Temple Three-storied Pagoda allows you to experience the characteristic sloped townscape of Onomichi. As there are many stone steps and sloping paths, comfortable walking shoes are recommended. In spring, around early April, the grounds are adorned with cherry blossoms.