The Most Beautiful Temple You’ve Never Heard Of

Posted on 07/29/2022 Last updated on 07/29/2022

Top photo: photoBさん on PhotoAC

“Mom, I want a baby sister,” a little girl said excitedly, pulling on her mother’s arm.

You can hear conversations like this constantly when you stroll the beautiful grounds of Nakayama Temple. Kyoto might be Japan’s most famous temple hub, but there are plenty of other religious sites throughout the country without the crowds. The temple is located in Takarazuka, Hyogo and boasts a history of more than 1300 years. Admission is free, making it perfect for a day trip or quick stop on a Takarazuka itinerary.

People visit to pay tribute to the Goddess of Mercy (Kannon). This deity is in charge of blessing worshippers with babies and healthy deliveries. Women come with wishes for a smooth pregnancy. Siblings ask for a little brother or sister.

Extended families come with their newborn to give thanks for the new baby in their lives. This is a formal event with new parents bringing out their best clothes and sometimes a professional photographer. Even in the hot and muggy weather, these families dress like they are going to an important business meeting or an overpriced hotel restaurant.

While the architecture and greenery of the temple are lovely, the most impressive aspect of the temple is the bird’s eye view of Takarazuka and the surrounding mountains. You can rest your legs at one of the temple halls where you can sit in the shade with your snack or drink and look out the giant windows. There are public restrooms, vending machines, nursing rooms, two small restaurants, and even escalators and elevators to access certain areas of the temple.

Nakayama Kannon station on the Hankyu line is a quick one minute walk from the temple. This station is just a 30-minute ride from Osaka Umeda station. The JR Nakayamadera station is 10 minutes away on foot and uses the Fukuchiyama line. There are no parking lots on the grounds so those traveling by car will have to find a space at a nearby parking lot and walk to the temple.

I visited the temple on a humid summer Monday. I loved seeing the lush greenery at every turn but I am curious about how the temple looks during cherry blossom season or when the fall leaves change color.

I may not have visited the temple hoping for a child of my own, but seeing so many people expressing gratitude for their families tugged at my heartstrings. Hopefully that little girl can come back with her new baby sister soon.

Access:
Omotoyama Nakayamadera on Google Maps
〒665-85882-11-1 Nakayamadera, Takarazuka City, Hyogo Prefecture

Read more about visiting temples and shrines across Japan here on MUSUBI!

Photo & Information Credits:

Top photo: photoBさん on PhotoAC

All additional images taken and provided by Sadie Welhoff, used with permission

Sources used for this article:
https://www.nakayamadera.or.jp/about/history.html