Takkoku no Iwaya Bishamondô

It was built in 801 by Sakagami Tamuramaro to commemorate his defeat of the legendary Evil Road King, who used this place as his base of operations during the late Heian period (794-1192).

Bishamondōdō refers to a hall dedicated to Bishamonten, the patron god of Buddhism.

It is said that Bishamondō Hall was built in this cave in imitation of Kiyomizu-dera Temple, and the temple itself is built in a cave in the rocky mountains, giving the temple an impressive appearance as if it were one with nature.

There is a 150-meter-long quay within the precincts of the temple, with a maximum height difference of 35 meters, under which the cave Bishamondō Hall is located.

Also, on the upper part of the quay is a large cliff Buddha carved into the skin. It is called “Iwamyeon Daibutsu,” and with a height of 16.5 meters, a face length of 3.6 meters, and shoulder width of 9.9 meters, it is said to be the northernmost and one of the top five largest statues in the country.

Also present are the Ezagaike Randen Hall, the Hime-mae Fudo Hall, and the Kondo Hall. Kondo is a former lecture hall that now houses a statue of Yakushi Nyorai.

The precincts of Tatsuya Saikoji Temple are considered a sacred place, and smoking, eating, drinking, and pets are not allowed.

Although Tatsuya Saikoji Temple is a separate shrine, a torii gate stands at the entrance to the temple grounds, making it a shrine and temple where God and Buddha are fused together.

Minamoto no Yoritomo even visited the temple on his way back to Kamakura. Tatsuya Cave Bishamondo is a special place where stories of ancient heroes come to life and visitors can feel the winds of history.