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No. 8Taneji Temple（Maizuru City）

Temple Guide: See National Treasures at Ten Temples in Oku Kyoto

Taneji Temple

Taneji Temple is a historic site whose origins date back almost over 1,400 years. It was originally founded in 587, before the Asuka Period (592-710), and enjoyed the patronage of the imperial family and powerful feudal lords. Today, it is situated in Maizuru City, hidden away among scenic mountains in the city's outskirts. Taneji Temple is also part of the West Japan Yakushi Pilgrimage, a pilgrimage route consisting of 49 sites dedicated to the Buddha of medicine, Bhaisajyaguru (Yakushi Nyorai in Japanese), At Taneji in particular, many come pray to this Buddha for healing of eye and ear ailments.

Legend states that Taima no Miko (known also as Maroko Ouji), the third son of Emperor Yomei (?–587), defeated a demon who was terrorizing the Tango region and established images of Yakushi Nyorai in seven temples. One of these was Taneji.

The current version of the elegant old main hall is a reconstruction from 1824. The temple grounds are home to numerous cultural properties, notably the two wooden statues of Vajrapani (Kongo-Rikishi in Japanese), the protector and guide of the Buddha. These statues are relatively large in size and have received Important Cultural Property designation.

  • Taneji Temple1

Important Cultural PropertyTwo Wooden Kongo-Rikishi Statues

These joined-wood statues depict manifestations of Vajrapani, or Kongo-Rikishi in Japanese. Such statues flank the entrance gates to many temples in Japan and are commonly referred to as Nio (two guardian kings). Standing 3.58 meters and 3.56 meters tall (just over and under 11.7 feet, respectively), Taneji Temple's Nio statues are some of the largest of their kind in Japan. They were crafted in the Kamakura Period (1185–1333) and, although originally installed at one of the gates to Taneji Temple, they were later moved to a treasure hall built specifically to preserve them. Both guardians are depicted in realistic fashion, bare-chested and exuding raw power. Their eyes blaze with rage, and their stances convey a sense of immense strength.

  • Two Wooden Kongo-Rikishi Statues1
  • Two Wooden Kongo-Rikishi Statues2
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