Gankozankozoji Temple

Established in 1322 deep in the forested mountains of Toba, Gankozankozoji can only be reached on foot, the trail ending in a steep stone staircase to the main hall. The hondo dates to 1561 and is covered with a rare wood-shingle kokerabuki roof of thin cypress boards, with a coffered ceiling decorated in paintings and walls showing bodhisattva figures. Behind the main hall further up the mountain is Chinjudo Hall, built in 1615 and dedicated to Kishimojin, the deity of childbirth and childcare. Kuki Yoshitaka visited to pray before completing Toba Castle in 1594. Both buildings are Important Cultural Properties.