For all you cat lovers, when you see a mascot cat, you'll want to go and meet it! Yukasan Rendaiji Temple, an ancient temple in Okayama Prefecture, has cats that ward off evil spirits. In this article, we will introduce you to the cute cats, the highlights and specialties of the historic Rendaiji Temple.
2024.02.20-
Table of contents
- What is Rendaiji Temple?
- Fu-chan the bad luck-averting cat
- Fuu-chan's Sutra Book
- Main shrine
- Japan's largest Acala statue
- Reception hall
- Gongendo Hall
- Tahoto Pagoda
- A cat I met in the temple grounds
- Amulets and souvenirs
- Travel Memories
- Fu-chan Dorayaki
- Conclusion
What is Rendaiji Temple?
Rendaiji Temple is a temple located in Kojima , Kurashiki City .
It is said to have been built in 738 ( Nara period) by Gyoki Bodhisattva, who was also the person who received the imperial command from Emperor Shomu to build the Great Buddha of Todaiji Temple in Nara . There is also plenty to see, including one of the world's largest wooden Fudo Myo-o statues, which was built in 2006. There is also a large parking lot, so you can visit by car with peace of mind.
Address: 2855 Kojima , Kurashiki City
TEL: 086-477-6222
Fu-chan the bad luck-averting cat
Rendaiji Temple has a mascot cat named "Fu-chan." Fu-chan is a boy estimated to be 10 years old. He apparently wandered in around autumn 2015 and is loved as a cat that wards off evil. The name Fu-chan is said to come from the "fu" in Fudo Myo-o.
Fu-chan is a cat.
Cats are carefree creatures.
Sometimes I'm in the office, but sometimes I'll just wander out. You can't always meet me, but if you do, you're lucky!
This time, I was lucky enough to meet him!
Anyway, she's so cute! Really cute! She's a quiet and gentle cat. If you see her, please don't chase her, but touch her gently. Don't touch her tail or belly, don't hold her, and don't be too persistent.
Fuu-chan's Sutra Book
Afu-chan's prayer book (stamp book) and Fu-chan.
This cute prayer book is a must-have for cat lovers!
There is another picture of Fuu-chan on the back cover. The inside of the prayer book is blank, and I received a grateful goshuin stamp.
Main shrine
After meeting the cute cat and feeling warm and fuzzy inside, I decided to take my time and explore the grounds.
This is the main hall.
The Yoga Triad (Eleven-Headed Kannon Bodhisattva, Yoga Daigongen, and Kobo Daishi) is enshrined here. If you go up to the second floor, you can experience the "evil-warding flower scattering" ceremony. Make a wish on paper flower scattering (flowers for the Buddha) and drop the flowers in front of the treasure of Fudo Myo-o. (Photography is not permitted on the second floor, so there are no photos.) Be sure to try the evil-warding flower scattering ceremony.
Japan's largest Acala statue
Fudo Myo-o is enshrined on the first floor of the main hall.
This statue of Acala boasts a total height of 7.59 meters and a body of 3.66 meters. It's so big that you can't help but exclaim, "It's huge!" The length of its sword is also 3 meters. I joined my hands and chanted "Namu Yoga Daigongen" three times before praying before taking this photo. There are detailed instructions on how to pray written near the statue of Acala, so even if you're unfamiliar with temple etiquette, you can pray with peace of mind.
Reception hall
It is the largest wooden building in Okayama Prefecture and is a guest hall designated as an Important Cultural Property by the prefecture.
It was used as a place for the lord of Bizen to stay and rest. Inside the reception hall, you can see a folding screen painting of "Bamboo Chicken" by Maruyama Okyo.
The reception hall is only open to the public on certain days, so if you would like to see inside, we recommend checking in advance.
Gongendo Hall
This is Gongendo Hall, located at the summit of Mt. Yuka, which is 274 meters high. Apparently, you can see the Seto Naikai and the mountains of Shikoku from the summit. Unfortunately, when I visited, it was hazy and I couldn't see very well, and all I could see was a faint "...I think I can see the mountains..."
Tahoto Pagoda
This is a huge pagoda! It is said to be the second largest pagoda in Japan built up until the Edo period.
A cat I met in the temple grounds
In the Tahoto Pagoda area, there is a monument to Sanada Yukimura.
In the temple grounds, I saw several other cats besides Fuu-chan, basking in the warm sun.
Amulets and souvenirs
Opposite the main shrine is the amulet shop. There are many kinds of amulets, including the usual ones for traffic safety and passing exams, as well as sports amulets and pet amulets.
We also have Fu-chan Dorayaki and Yukayama's specialty Ankoro Mochi!
Travel Memories
I bought some Ankoro Mochi, Fu-chan Dorayaki, and amulets. The Ankoro Mochi came with 15 pieces of stretchy mochi wrapped in sweet and smooth bean paste.
Fu-chan Dorayaki
I'll also have some Fu-chan Dorayaki!
There's a cat paw print branded on the surface. One bite and you're greeted by the faint aroma of rum, the soft dough of the dorayaki, and a whole chestnut inside! It was absolutely delicious.
Conclusion
(Fu-chan's adorable curves are also cute from behind)
What did you think of Yukasan Rendaiji Temple, the temple with its mascot cat?
In addition to the things we have introduced, there are many other things to see, including the new main hall that was completed just last year, an exhibition of cars called "Shaku CAR," and a giant Rilakkuma votive tablet.
Be sure to visit Rendaiji Temple to meet the adorable Fuu-chan and to have a prayer that will purify your soul!
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