Komyoji Temple

Resting in the hills of the Tenryu district of Hamamatsu City in Shizuoka Prefecture, Komyoji, also called Kinkomyozan Komyoji, is an old temple said to have been founded in 717 in the Nara period by the eminent monk Gyoki. Known since ancient times as a mountain spiritual site, it gathered faith as a deity of water, in contrast to Akihasan which enshrines a deity of fire. It originally stood on Mt. Komyo, but after a fire it was moved to its present location. Though set in a quiet spot away from the city, it has drawn attention in recent years as a power spot for money fortune.

Highlights

• A golden Daikokuten statue about four meters tall, said to be one of the largest wooden statues in Japan, watching over visitors with overwhelming presence.
• The grand Daikokuten festival, Hatsukinoenesai, held on the third Sunday of January each year. Tradition says that buying a new wallet after praying on this day brings especially strong blessings.
• A Marishiten enshrined in the inner sanctuary at the summit, a guardian deity said to have been carried into battle inside the helmet of Tokugawa Ieyasu.
• Quiet grounds wrapped in the pure air characteristic of a mountain spiritual site.

Practical Travel Notes

• Best time and seasons: In fresh greenery the young leaves of the hills look fresh for an invigorating visit. The Hatsukinoenesai festival in January is the liveliest time of the year, crowded with worshippers praying for money fortune. Autumn brings mountain foliage, and in winter the gold of the Daikokuten shines all the brighter in clear air.
• Time needed: A visit to the main hall and the Daikokuten takes about thirty minutes. Allow extra time, including mountain paths, if you go on to the inner sanctuary.
• Avoiding crowds: The day of Hatsukinoenesai is very crowded. For money fortune prayers with a new wallet, aim for the festival day; for a quiet visit, weekdays are best.
• Nearby real spots: Akihasan Hongu Akiha Shrine, known for fire protection, a short trip on the Tenryu Hamanako Railroad, and boating on the Tenryu River are nearby attractions.
• Budget sense: Visiting is free. Aside from a goshuin seal, amulets, and the free parking, actual costs are modest.
• Safety notes: The grounds and inner sanctuary include mountain paths. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes, and watch your footing in rain or winter.

Access and Basic Information

• Location: Tenryu Ward, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
• By car: Reachable by car from central Hamamatsu. Because of its location in the hills, coming by car is convenient.
• Parking: Free parking is available.
• Fees and hours: Visiting is free. Reception hours at the amulet office and the Hatsukinoenesai date vary, so check official information before your visit.

A Quick Tip

If you wish for better money fortune, it is best to prepare a new wallet and visit timed with the Hatsukinoenesai festival. Before the golden Daikokuten, said to be one of the largest in Japan, offer your wish along with gratitude for all that has come before. At this quiet mountain temple surrounded by the nature of Tenryu, your mind settles too. (Tabitabi Japan Editorial Team)

📚 Sources

This article is based on Hamamatsu City and local tourism information and on guidance about the history and highlights of Komyoji, an old temple in the Tenryu district. It touches on the golden Daikokuten statue, said to be among Japan's largest wooden images, and the Hatsu-kinoene Festival held on the third Sunday of January each year. Amulet-office hours, the festival date, and the condition of the mountain path to the inner sanctuary may change, so please check official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Estimated time: About 30 minutes to visit the main hall and Daikokuten statue; allow extra time for the inner sanctuary
• Access: A car from central Hamamatsu is convenient, with free parking
• What to bring: Comfortable clothes and shoes, as the grounds and inner sanctuary include mountain paths
• How to get around: For prosperity prayers, bring a new wallet and time your visit to the Hatsu-kinoene Festival
• Avoiding crowds: The festival day is crowded; weekdays are quieter for worship
• Also enjoy: Akihasan Hongu Akiha Shrine and the Tenryu River boat descent