Historical Sites, Temples and Shrines｜Iwamuro Hot Springs Tourism Association

Site of Mt.Tenzin Castle

Mt. Tenzin (height 250mt) is the site of a mountain castle that occupied a large territory. The keeper of the castle was called Oguni. It is not clear when the castle was constructed, but the existence of someone called Oguni has been confirmed in the area in the Muromachi period (approximately 1336 to 1573). In the 11th year of the Tensho era (1583) Kurasuke Shimizu became the keeper of this castle. The castle then came under the control of the Uesugi family, and in the 3rd year of the Keisho era (1598) control of the area passed to Aizu (in present day Fukushima Prefecture) under Kagekatsu Uesugi and the castle ceased to be used.
In the NHK historical drama based on the book by Masashi Hisaka, Tenchijin, the younger brother of the main character Naoe was portrayed as the keeper of the Mt. Tenzin Castle, and both brothers devoted their lives to serving the Uesugi family.

Site of Mt.Matsutake Castle

Mt. Matsutake (height 174mt) was a stronghold that was difficult to defend because of its steep peak. Therefore, it is thought that the fortification built here was a subsidiary castle that was part of the defense structure of Mt. Tenzin Castle. In the early years of the Showa period a famous Japanese artist, Suiun Komuro, erected a monument with a haiku written on it on the mountain peak, which is still there to this day. Because of its elegant and beautiful shape this mountain is called the Mt. Fuji of Iwamuro.

Shugetsuji Temple

This temple was founded in the 3rd year of the Bunnan Era (1446) by Kenshu Nanei who was born in Satsuma (an ancient province located in present day Kagoshima prefecture). It was one of the 4 main training centers of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism. The main hall is designated as an Important National Cultural Property. Every year on the 19th of June a buddhist ceremony is held for opening of the mountain climbing season. In 2008 the roof of the main hall was rethatched, and it now features a beautiful new thatched roof.

Iwamuro Shrine

This was built in the second year of the Kouka Era (1845). The current Iwamuro Shrine is made up of five shrines, the Shinmeisha Shrine, Juuni Jinjia Shrine, Suwasha Shrine, and Mihachi Jinja Shrine. Shinmeisha is dedicated to the deity Amaterasu, the enshrined in the inner shrine of the Ise Jingu Shrine, and the deity Toyouke no Okami, who is enshrined in the outer shrine of the same shrine.

Shoryuji Temple

This was built in the 8th year of the Tenpyou Era(736) and was said to have been built by Gyoki Bodhisattva and is an ancient temple of the Shingon Sect of Buddhism. It is one of the famous 21 shrines, related to the great Japanese Buddhist teacher, Kobo Daishi, in Echigo (present day Niigata). There is a boat guardian deity (Jizo), that is believed to be a celestial floating ship (spaceship?). Near this temple are the remains of Shoryuji Temple there have been both pottery pieces and stone pieces, from the Jomon Period (which spans a long period roughly from 10,500 to 300 BC) found there.

Josenji Temple

This temple belongs to the eastern branch of the Jodo Shin (True Pure Land) Buddhist sect. The temple features a karesansui (dry landscape) garden, created by a famous gardener called Biseki (who's nickname was Neco). The garden features local rocks to create the illusion of a wide view in a narrow space, and shows the influence of Muromachi culture(1333-1573 CE). The garden is registered as a Tangible Cultural Property by the prefecture.

Ryougonji Temple

This was established on the wishes of the son of the Murakami Emperor (who came to power in 946), Momoi. A five story pagoda was built as a mausoleum. The temple belongs to the Soto school of Zen Buddhism. The temple is famous for sale of amulets and protective charms, and the legend of Shuten Doji, said to be one of the most wicked and powerful demons in Japanese history.

Kaiunji Temple

This temple was established in the Jougan era (9th century), by Maze Nyudokaiun as a Shingon Buddhist sect temple. In the 16th year of the Kanrei Era (1639) the temple was reestablished as a temple of the Soto school of Zen Buddhism. At the back and left of the main building there is a small shrine dedicated to a dragon. Therefore, this temple protects people from disaster at sea.

Memorial Stone to Ryokan

There is a memorial stone on a small hillock in Marukoyama Park inscribed with a haiku written by the famous Zen priest Ryokan when he came to Iwamuro.

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