Part 1 First Day (Arrival, Kitamuki Kannon)
Part 2 Second Day (Scenic Spots near Bessho Spa)
Part 3 Second Day (Joraku-ji, Anraku-ji)
Part 4 Third Day (Ueda Castle Ruins)
Joraku-ji Anraku-ji
Part 3 Second Day-2
(Joraku-ji, Anraku-ji)
After looking around the temples, shirines and Mugon-kan in the suburbs, we returned near Bessho Spa Station a little after 15:00. We still have 2 hours until the evening.
Though had planned to visit the 2 temples near the station the next morning, we decided to put it ahead of the schedule. The temples are Joraku-ji and Anraku-ji.
We got to Joraku-ji Temple in 15 minutes.
Joraku-ji Temple

This temple of Tendai sect is the head of Kitamuki Kannon we visited yesterday. It was opened by Priest Jikaku and the main image is Myokansatsuchi Amida Buddha.
The bulletin board says;

This temple is closely related to the Kitamuki Kannon. It hosts sacred texts hand-copied by the founder of Kyoto's Nanzenji Temple in 1292, and has long been famous for being a temple of academic study.
The current main structure was built in the middle of Edo period (1716-1736), and has gathered many adherents of different sects.
Main Hall
Mifune Pine Tree
Stone Taho-to Tower
and Stone Taso-to Tower

About Stone Taho Tower

2.74 meters high, made of andesite, it was designated as the Impotant Cultural Asset.

The surrounding Taso-to Towers (multilayered towers) were found in a state of mess under the ground in Taisho 13 (1924). They are said to be the works in Kamakura era (1185-1333).

Joraku-ji Temple, Other Pictures

Anraku-ji Temple

This temple of Soto sect opened during Tencho era (824-834), prospered as a Zen temple protected by Hojo clan in the middle of Kamakura era (1185-1333) and many priests were brought up.
After the fall of Hojo clan (1333), it declined and left no accurate document since then. However, it is the oldest temple in Shinshu district with many cultural assets including 3-Tiered Octagonal Pagoda of National Treasure.

3-Tiered Octagonal Pagoda (National Treasure)
16 Arhats
Japanese Umbrella-Pine

About 3-Tiered Octagonal Pagoda

According to the guide board on its architectural style,
"This pagoda was built in the style of Zen (Kara Style) of the advanced technology in China at that time.
Therefore, its appearance is profound, and different from the pagodas in Japanese style.
The octagonal pagodas are recorded in Nara and Kyoto, but they are now lost. So, this is the only octagonal pagoda left in Japan, and a very precious one remaining in a Zen temple.

夏山に抱かれ八角三重塔
Hugged by summer mountains
Octagonal 3-Tiered Pagoda
Emiko

Anraku-ji Temple, Other Pictures

Part 3 Reading: 4' 58"
Part 1 First Day (Arrival, Kitamuki Kannon)
Part 2 Second Day (Scenic Spots near Bessho Spa)
Part 3 Second Day (Joraku-ji, Anraku-ji)
Part 4 Third Day (Ueda Castle Ruins)
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