After having good-looking parfait at Usagiya, we headed to Rengein tanjou ji(蓮華院誕生寺) .
First, let me tell you a little bit about Renge tanjou ji.
Rengein tanjou ji is a temple which worships Kouen daibosatsu(皇円大菩薩) who is well-known for the great 真言律宗(Shingon risshu which is one linage of 真言宗 Shingonshu) monk.
He was gifted as a child and was trained at Hieizan(比叡山 Mt. Hiei) where famous great monks have trained and be considered to be the centre of Japanese Buddhism.
He also edited ‘Fusou ryakuki (扶桑略記)’ which is one of the Japan’s best 3 history books.
It is said that Joukouji Rengein (浄光寺蓮華院) was built between the late Heian-period to Kamakura-period(around 12-13 centuries) by Kouen daibosatsu.
Unfortunately, it was burned in Sengoku-period（1582年）.
In 1989, The great monk, named 川原是信(Kawahara Zeshin) received divine revelation from Kouen daibosatsu which said that Kawahara Zeshin should rebuilt Renge tanjou ji to save and protect people from anything harmful. At first, he built the hall and it was renovated with new architectural method after his death.
Because of his achievement, Kawahara Zenshin has many disciples around Japan.
This is the statue of Kawahara Zenshin.
Photo credit : Chieko @untappedkumamoto
When we almost reached Renge tanjou ji, we saw the sight of red tower and just followed it.
There is a parking lot in front of the entrance .
Photo credit : Chieko @untappedkumamoto
It was so serene and peaceful.
Photo credit : Chieko @untappedkumamoto
What attracted us the most was this Gojyu no tou(五重の塔) which means wooden five-storey pagoda.
It was built in 1997 and the hight is 35m to worships Kouen daibosatsu.
Photo credit : Chieko @untappedkumamoto
The hight of this is hondou（本堂 main hall） which was built by Kawahara Zeshin is 15m.
Photo credit : Chieko @untappedkumamoto
Before building it, they excavated and found some ritual implements which meant that Joukouji Rengein was there.
On 3rd, 13th, 23th every month, many disciples pay a visit to pray and you’ll hear the voice of reciting a sutra.
There are talismans on the roof of main hall which are protecting it.
Photo credit : Chieko @untappedkumamoto
This is 多宝塔(Tahoutou) and is one architectural form of Buddhist and is often seen in Buddhist temples.
Photo credit : Chieko @untappedkumamoto
My friends were walking on the approach.
Photo credit : Chieko @untappedkumamoto
This is Nandaimon(南大門) .
Photo credit : Chieko @untappedkumamoto
Every four corner of it, the statue of four heavenly kings are seated and watching against evil.
The hight of these statues are around 4m and are considered to be the biggest ones in Japan.
In the official website, it says that they have no wonder if the statues will be designated as a national treasure in the future.
Everything is well-organized and harmonious.
We sat around Nandaimon and spent some relaxed time.
Photo credit : Fumi @fu.mi.nn
This Rengein tanjou ji is located in the centre of Tamana-city so if you travel around Tamana and Arao area, please include it in your itinerary so that you’ll have experience just like time traveling.
【Information and links】
蓮華院誕生寺(Rengein tanjou ji)
Address : 2288, Tsuiji, Tamana-City, Kumamoto-prefecture(熊本県玉名市築地2288)
Tel : 0968-72-3300
Official website : http://www.rengein.jp