A Spiritual Mountain Journey to Futago-Ji Temple

Happy June, everyone!
As a fresh wave of rainfall transforms Japan into a vibrant, green landscape, it also revitalizes our energy to seek a spiritually awakening journey that exists here in Oita. While Japan is known for famous pilgrimage routes like
the Kumano Kodo, Oita has its own network of lesser-known but still significant religious sites. To visit them,
head to the rural countryside of the Kunisaki Peninsula and deep into its mountains to Futago-ji Temple.
This prominent temple complex was once the central place of worship for Rokugo Manzan, an ancient religion
that thrived in these deep cedar forests over 1,300 years ago.

At the foot of the temple grounds are two large Nio statues. These guardians of Buddha are the largest in the
region and have stood watch for centuries protecting against bringers of evil. Take a deep bow before
proceeding up the stone walkway to the main temple buildings, including Gomado Hall which enshrines
Fudo Myo-o, a protector of Buddha, and many other Rokugo Manzan artifacts. Wide pathways lead through
the temple grounds to other halls, including Okunoin Hall, built into the cliff face. With the thick cedar canopy
shading the temple grounds, it’s not difficult to imagine the chanting of the monks as they trekked to
these mountains centuries ago.

While it’s tempting to spend the rest of the day at Futago-ji, other spiritual destinations await. A 20-minute drive will bring you to Fuki-ji temple, Kyushu’s oldest wooden structure. This nutmeg-wood temple enshrines
Amida Nyorai, the Buddhist deity, and is a designated national treasure.

Further south are the Kumano Magaibutsu Stone Buddhas, two massive Buddhist statues carved into a rock face. The eight-meter tall Fudo Myo-o and the Dainichi Buddha have stood side by side since their estimated creation
in the late Heian Period (791–1185). Lastly, a religious journey around Oita would be incomplete without a visit
to Usa Jingu, with its impressive torii gates, striking vermillion shrine, and massive surrounding gardens.

While travel is still limited in Japan, we hope this virtual journey has inspired the travel bug within all of you, and we look forward to welcoming you to Oita soon!