Mt. Aonomine

The trail to Shofukuji Temple on Mt. Aonomine rewards with views over Matoya Bay and the open sea. The temple has a long history as a sanctuary for seafarers: monks once lit fires here to guide ships through the rocky coastlines of Ise-Shima, and merchants who depended on safe passage donated many of the lanterns visible throughout the grounds. The main building, built in 1836, houses a gold eleven-faced Kannon statue. Look closely at the great wooden gate: the painted carvings on the ceiling include dragons and phoenixes, funded by grateful merchants over generations. An open corridor nearby holds ema prayer tablets with painted sea scenes.