Renjoji Temple (Uchiyama Kannon)

In the hills of Mie-machi in Bungo-ono, Oita Prefecture, stands Renjoji. Fondly known as Uchiyama Kannon, it is said to have been founded in 554, making it one of the oldest temples in Oita. Legend says it was built when a local legendary rich man invited the priest Renjo, who had come over from Baekje.

The temple is also said to have been built to mourn the daughter of the wealthy couple, Princess Hannya, who died young, and historic sites tied to the legend are scattered across the grounds. It is not widely known as a tourist destination, but it is a lesser-known power spot where an overwhelming world of faith spreads out within deep mountain stillness.

Highlights

- The thousand healing buddhas — The 998 statues of the healing buddha lined up in the Yakushi hall are overwhelming. The grand sight is compared to the Sanjusangendo hall in Kyoto. - The Princess Hannya statue — The giant statue of Princess Hannya, built in 1991, is a symbol of Mie-machi. You can remember the heroine of the legend. - Sites of the local legend — Places connected to the tale, such as the grave of the wealthy couple and a deep pool called Kinkigafuchi, remain on the grounds.

Enjoying the Seasons

In spring, cherry blossoms brilliantly color the grounds, so you can enjoy worship and flower viewing at the same time. Early summer with its fresh greenery and autumn with its red leaves each have their charm, and combined with the mountain stillness a calm time flows by. In winter, with few people about, the solemnity of the thousand healing buddhas stands out even more.

Access and Basic Information

- Location: 527 Uchiyama, Mie-machi, Bungo-ono, Oita Prefecture - Access: About 15 minutes by car from JR Mie-machi Station. About 30 minutes from the Inukai interchange on the Higashi-Kyushu Expressway. - Parking: Available - Visiting: For viewing the Yakushi hall and other areas, please follow the on-site guidance

A Quick Tip

The interior of the thousand healing buddhas hall is full of the quiet power that the rows of statues give off. If you look at each one carefully, you should be overwhelmed by their sheer number. In spring it is also known as a cherry blossom spot, so a visit combined with flower viewing is exceptional. You drive up a mountain road, so take a little care when driving there.