Monju Senji Temple

Overview

Monju Senji Temple is a Tendai Buddhist temple located in Oonji, Kunisaki-cho, Kunisaki City, Oita Prefecture. Its mountain name is Gubi-zan. It's an ancient temple situated on the northeastern slope of Mount Monju (617m), located near the center of the Kunisaki Peninsula. The mountain name Gubi-zan is another name for Mount Monju where the temple resides, and it is considered one of the Three Great Monju Temples of Japan. The temple also claims to be the origin of the proverb "Three heads are better than one (lit. three people gathered together is the wisdom of Monju)", enshrining Monju Bosatsu, known as the symbol of wisdom, and has long been a center of faith. Monju Senji Temple is also famous for its "wisdom water", said to grant wisdom. It's said that since ancient times, when a child was born, parents would make their first visit to Monju, drink the wisdom water to ensure the child's safe growth and wisdom, and perform a ritual to ward off insects. Today, the temple receives visitors throughout the year for prayers for children's safe growth, entrance into kindergartens, elementary schools, and higher education, and success in entrance examinations and various tests. The temple grounds are lined with giant trees, including a zelkova tree estimated to be about 1,000 years old and a cedar tree approximately 400 years old. The natural forest of Monju Senji Temple has been designated as a natural monument of Oita Prefecture and selected as one of the "100 Natural Landscapes of Japan We Want to Protect in the 21st Century". The scenery of peculiar rocks in and around the temple grounds is called Monju Yamakei, likened to the Yamakei gorge, offering beautiful seasonal views, from cherry blossoms in spring to autumn foliage. Nestled in a quiet mountain setting, Monju Senji Temple offers a tranquil space for visitors to relax and refresh their minds and bodies. Why not spend some peaceful time at Monju Senji Temple, surrounded by history and nature?