welcome to Okusugaru!
Engakuji temple
It is said that origin of Engakuji had established in 807, not as a Buddhism temple but as a warehouse of the sculpture of 11 faces which had been sculptured by Shoutokutaishi (great emperor of 8 th century).
In 868, the priest Engaku Houin came from Nara prefecture.
He had restructured the warehouse to Buddhism temple.
It is reason of which citizen started to call this temple 'Engakuji'.
Generally, there is few knowledge of history of Okutsugaru. Because the rule (law) of Heiankyou (the capital city of Japan in 7 th to 12 th century) did not reach to Okutsugaru. (= there are a few paper records about Okutsugaru).
But only Engakuji have very long history in this region.
In this temple, there are many treasures because the temple has been having faith for 1000 years long. Now these treasures are exhibited in there.
address 275 Hamamachi, Fukaura, Fukaura town
admission fee charged
View Engakuji in a google map
