Kinpusen-ji Temple

金峯山寺

4.5Est. 90Yoshino, Kansai

JTA ApprovedUNESCO World Heritage Site

Overview

Massive mountain temple serving as the spiritual heart of the ascetic Shugendo religion.

The focal point of Shugendo mountain asceticism in Yoshino. The massive wooden main hall, the Zao-do, is second in size only to Todai-ji. It houses terrifyingly beautiful, blue-skinned Zao Gongen statues that are occasionally open to the public.

Local tips

Check the temple schedule in advance, as the incredible blue statues are only revealed during specific viewing periods.

Practical info

Japanese name: 金峯山寺
Nearest station: Yoshinoyama Ropeway Station (10 min walk)
Payment: Cash only
Reservations: not required

Loading details...

Want to visit Kinpusen-ji Temple?

Build a trip to Yoshino

Featured in guides

Seasonal · yoshino · 8 min read

Yoshino: A Mountain of Cherry Trees

Yoshino holds 30,000 cherry trees across four zones that bloom in sequence up the mountain — Japan's most sacred hanami, rooted in temple culture and yamabushi tradition.