Jinguji (Iwami 33 Temple Pilgrimage)

This quiet place surrounded by many trees is the original location of Jinguji tmple. It is located across a small bridge off the footpath.

Jinguji was a Buddhist temple located in a Shinto shrine. So why did these two buildings from different religions exist in the same place? Japan originally had an indigenous religion called Shinto. However, In the middle of 6^th century, Buddhism was introduced to Japan. Around the 8th century, the idea of mixing the two religions began to spread.

The idea of combining Shinto and Buddhsim was officially banned by the Meiji government around the 19th century. However, the idea and values remain deeply in Japan even today. Many traditional homes have not only a Buddist altar to honour dead ancestors but also a small Shinto shrine.

This temple was eventually merged with another temple called Seisuiji, so there are no buildings in the forest. Although, you cannot actually see Jinguji, you can see some interesting remnants. For example, you might think that these are just rocks, but look closer and you'll see that these are actually Jizo statues.

In Buddhism, it is said that after the death of Buddha, the Jizo protects people instead of Buddha. You can see some broken Jizo statues in the forest. In this way, you can feel the changing of the time and feel at peace in this forest.

Unfortunately, this temple is not on google maps, but it's very close to the temple called Sahimeyama temple, so the map below shows you where that is.

If you enter the forest anywhere in Japan, you should wear long sleeves, long pants, and closed boots. There may be snakes, bugs, and tics so be careful of where you are standing.

Near Spots

: Iwami Ginzan Library This beautiful building is Iwami Ginzan Library, our university's satellite campus in Iwami Ginzan. This library ...(read more)

: Seisuiji Temple SeisuijiTemple is a Shingon Buddhist temple, and is a notable place in the history of Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine, wh...(read more)

: Takanoji Temple ( Iwami 33 Temple Pilgrimage) If you enjoy walking, we recommend Takano temple, about 20 minutes by taxi from Yunotsu station in Iwami region. The mai...(read more)

: Iwami 33 Temple Pigrimage Have you ever heard a pilgrimage to the Iwami Kannon 33 Temples Pilgrimage? All the temples are located in Iwami region ...(read more)

: 33 temple pilgrimage Check out the video of our day trip to 7 of the 33 temples on the Iwami Silver Mine Kanon 33 temple pilgrimage. Many t...(read more)

: Iwami Ginzan museum Iwami Ginzan is a historic silver mine in the mountains of Shimane, Japan. The preservation and revitalization of Iwami ...(read more)

: Iwami Silver Mine Museum The museum was built as a local government office in the Meiji era (1902). It's a large traditional house and exhibi...(read more)

: Yunotsu Onsen summer festival (Yunotsu Hotsprings summer festival) At night, Yunotsu looks like something straight out of Studio Ghibli's 'Spirited Away.' Traditional in...(read more)

: Okubo Mabu Mine Shaft Tour Although there are at least 600 entrances to the silver mine, only a few are open to the public. Tours to the Okubu min...(read more)

: Kazenokuni ( paper making experience) In Gotsu city, in the town of Sakurae, there is a nature park and leisure facilities called Kazenokuni. The Kazenokuni c...(read more)

: Sekushu-Washi Kaikan Sekishu-Washi Kaikan(石州和紙会館)” is a place where we can experience making washi and learn culture and history of Sek...(read more)

: Sekishu-Washi ~Making traditional paper activity~ &...(read more)