Kimpusen-ji, founded in the 7th century, is believed to be the incubator of Shugend艒, a unique Buddhist sect that incorporates Shint艒 traditions and Taoism and is associated with the storied yamabushi (ascetic mountain priests). The main hall, called the Za艒-d艒, was last rebuilt in 1592 and is Japan's second-largest wooden building, a National Treasure with a cedar-bark roof.
The principal deity is a bright-blue, three-bodied image of Za艒 Gongen, protector of Yoshino-yama; it's only visible to visitors for a short period each year, in which case temple admission is 楼1000 (check at tourist offices for dates). The temple's Ni艒-mon, a gate with two fearsome Ni艒 (guardian) statues and the oldest structure at Kimpusen-ji, is undergoing restoration until 2026.
Early risers can observe morning otsutome (worship service), incorporating 迟补颈办艒 drumming and the sounding of the horagai (giant conch).
