ABOUT
About this spot
Jodo-ji is the head temple of the Shingon Sennyu-ji school in Higashikubo-cho, Onomichi, Hiroshima. Its principal image is a hidden Eleven-Headed Kannon, and it is Temple 9 of the Chugoku 33 Kannon Pilgrimage. Buildings from the Kamakura to the Edo period stand at the foot of the hills overlooking the city. Tradition says Prince Shotoku founded the temple in 616, but the date is uncertain. It was revived in 1306, burned in 1325, and was rebuilt with the support of a wealthy Onomichi couple. The present main hall, Tahoto pagoda and Amida Hall date from that rebuilding. Ashikaga Takauji prayed here for victory, and the temple still uses the Ashikaga family crest. The Main Hall (1327) blends the Japanese style with Daibutsu-yo and Zen styles, and the Tahoto (1328) is a rare dated pagoda of the late Kamakura period. Both are National Treasures. The gate, Amida Hall and other buildings are Important Cultural Properties, and the garden is a Place of Scenic Beauty. A trail with 33 Jizo statues leads up the hill behind the temple to viewpoints over the Onomichi Strait. It takes about 30 minutes on foot to reach the hilltop viewpoint along this trail. Onomichi's Senko-ji Temple is about 1 km away.
Last updated October 25, 2026