Tomyodo Temple

Built in 1730 on a forested ridge at about 250 meters elevation above Hachinohe Bay, originally as a prayer for the local lord's recovery from smallpox and as a functioning lighthouse. The name means sacred lantern hall. Fueled by rapeseed oil paid for by the domain's rulers, its light guided ships along the Kominato Coast from an elevation that made it visible some four kilometers away. It is considered a forerunner of conventional lighthouses. The surrounding forest has since grown up to block the sea view, but the walk through the trees to reach the temple is pleasant, and the building's origin story gives it a more interesting context than most small hilltop temples.