Entsuji Temple

Founded in 1243 by the Zen monk Jinshi Eison, who studied Buddhism in China before returning to Japan and establishing this temple near Usa Jingu Shrine. According to temple records, Eison received an oracle from the shrine deity Hachiman, who granted him the title of 'teacher of the deity,' though Eison changed one character to make it read 'child of the deity' out of humility. The temple preserves two carved wooden heads of founding monks, including Eison's own likeness, salvaged when their full-body statues decayed. Guided tours and zazen sessions are available with prior reservation by phone.