Akishinodera Temple

JAPAN, Nara

This temple is located in Akishino and belongs to the Seizan Lineage of the Pure Land school. According to temple records, it was constructed in 780 during the Nara period, at the request of Emperor Konin (reigned 770–781) and Emperor Kanmu (reigned 781–806). In 1135 during the Heian period, the temple was destroyed in wartime, apart from the lecture hall. During the Kamakura period (1185–1333), the lecture hall was rebuilt to become the main hall, which was listed as a National Treasure in 1953.
The principal structures of the temple include the south gate, Daigendo Hall, main hall, founder’s hall, bell tower, relic pagoda, and the east gate.
The five-by-four bay main hall has a single-eave hip roof covered with cylindrical tiles. Supported on simple bracket sets, the gently sloping roof turns up slightly at the corners. Within the hall there are statues of the Medicine Buddha Triad, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva, Twelve Yaksa Generals, and other heavenly beings.