Fugen-ji (temple) 5
In the town of Notsu in Usuki City lies a temple belonging to the Myoshin-ji branch of the Rinzai school of Zen Buddhism. It is said to have been founded in 1294 (the second year of the Einin era) by Ohtomo Yoshinao, the fifth son of the second head of the Ohtomo clan, Ohtomo Chikahide. Inspired by a dream in which he saw Samantabhadra Bodhisattva riding a white elephant, he established the temple. Though the temple fell into ruin during the Ohtomo-Shimazu conflict, it was rebuilt at its current location in 1647 (the fourth year of the Shoho era). It also serves as the family temple for Hirota Kichiuemon, the model for the legendary figure Kitchomuson, and houses his memorial tablet. The temple grounds feature around 200 maple trees that create a vibrant carpet of red and yellow leaves during the autumn season. In November, during the peak of the fall foliage, the maples are illuminated, creating an enchanting atmosphere that attracts many visitors. Concerts and other