S P O T ／ SPOT-203

Kanzeongji Temple, Shikano (Polychrome Temple)

観世音寺（鹿野）かんぜおんじ

An ancient temple of the Koyasan Shingon sect. According to tradition, the temple was founded during the Kanko era (1004–1012 CE) when Kukai (Kobo Daishi), while making his circuit of the provinces, carved a Fudo-son from a sacred cherry tree. The temple is noted in the specialist site 'Chindera Dojo' (Unusual Temple Training Ground) by the researcher Yama-san, who described it as a temple that 'exceeded expectations far beyond imagination.' The principal visual character of the site is its polychrome hall complex: the main hall is vermilion-red, the Nehan-do is yellow, and the Yakushi-do is blue and green — an ensemble of colour entirely outside the conventions of Japanese religious architecture. Notable curiosities include a pair of komainu (guardian dog statues) at the main hall entrance to which footwear has been attached — a practice of unknown origin — and hand-painted murals encircling the exterior eaves of the Yakushi-do in an idiosyncratic personal style.