Butsuji Temple

Butsuji is the head temple of the Butsuji branch of the Rinzai Zen school, set in a mountain valley in Takasaka, Mihara, Hiroshima Prefecture. Its mountain name is Okomotosan and the principal image is Shaka Nyorai. It is regarded as one of the best places in the prefecture to see autumn colors.

According to temple tradition, it was founded in 1397 by Kobayakawa Harahira as patron, with the monk Gucchu Shukyu as the founding abbot. The name comes from the posthumous title of Gucchu's teacher, Sokkyu Keiryo. It became a prayer temple of the Ashikaga shogun family in 1441, and the temple gained independence from Tenryu-ji as the Butsuji branch in 1905.

The Jizo Hall of Ganki-in, built in 1406, is designated an Important Cultural Property, as is the portrait of Zen master Daitsu. The Tahoto pagoda is a Registered Tangible Cultural Property. An Inumaki (Buddhist pine) designated a prefectural natural monument is said to have been planted by Gucchu.

Autumn leaves usually peak from early to late November, and traffic controls may be in place then. Allow one to two hours. It is the 12th stop on the Chugoku 33 Kannon pilgrimage.