【Hyogo Prefecture】Takarazuka City - Daibonzan Nakayama Temple Part 1: Main Hall

Nakayama Temple (Nakayama-dera) is the head temple of the Shingon sect Nakayama Temple branch, located in Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture. Its mountain name is Shiunzan.
It is the 24th temple of the Saigoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage.
The principal deity is the Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva (Juichimen Kannon Bosatsu).
Nakayama Temple is said to be the first Kannon pilgrimage site in Japan, founded by Prince Shotoku.
It is believed to have been established for the memorial service of Empress Onaka-hime, consort of Emperor Chuai, and her sons, Prince Kagosaka and Prince Oshikuma, or to appease the spirit of Mononobe no Moriya, who lost in political conflict against Prince Shotoku and Soga no Umako.
Despite facing numerous wars and natural disasters, the temple has been supported by the fervent faith and donations of influential figures such as the Genji clan, the Toyotomi family, and the Tokugawa family, maintaining its sacred flame for over 1,400 years.

The principal deity, "Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattva," has a unique history. It is said that the statue was modeled after Queen Srimala of ancient India, who was recognized for her wisdom by Buddha despite being a layperson. She vowed to save women and created the statue, which was brought to Japan and enshrined at Nakayama Temple. The principal deity and the two accompanying statues are all Eleven-Faced Kannon Bodhisattvas, symbolizing the 33 Kannon Bodhisattvas of the Saigoku Pilgrimage.
Although usually kept hidden, the statue is unveiled on the temple's monthly festival day, the 18th, allowing visitors to see its sacred form. I’d love to visit again on the 18th! ✨

Nakayama Temple has long been known as a temple for safe childbirth, attracting both samurai and commoners. During the late Edo period, the mother of Emperor Meiji, Nakayama Ichii-no-Tsubone, safely gave birth to the emperor after receiving the temple’s "Bell Cord." Since then, Nakayama Temple has become the only "Imperial Prayer Site" for Emperor Meiji in Japan. Its spiritual significance has grown, and people from all over the country visit to pray for safe childbirth. The temple is equipped with elevators and escalators, making it accessible for strollers and pregnant women. ✨

The Main Hall was originally located at the site of the temple’s inner sanctuary. It was destroyed during the Araki Murashige Rebellion in 1578 but was rebuilt in 1603 under the patronage of Toyotomi Hideyori. It is designated as a tangible cultural property of Hyogo Prefecture.
The vibrant colors and carvings inside and outside the hall were added during the mid to late Edo period. Although the pigments had deteriorated over time due to weather and smoke, restoration work from 2005 to 2008 revived its beauty.
The upper exterior of the Main Hall features dynamic depictions of dragons, tapirs, elephants, phoenixes, and kirins. Inside, the central pillars are adorned with intricately carved celestial beings and Kalavinkas, mythical creatures with the upper body of a young girl and the lower body of a phoenix, dancing gracefully.
The coffered ceiling, consisting of 135 panels, is decorated with unique designs of cloud dragons, flowers, birds, and Buddhist implements, with no two panels alike.
The vivid and beautiful artwork is truly stunning. ✨

Daibonzan Nakayama Temple
📍Address: 665-8588
2-11-1 Nakayama Temple, Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture