洞雲寺
Hodasan Tounji Temple is a temple of the Soto Sect of Zen Buddhism said to have been founded during the Oei era (Muromachi period). In recent years, it has become known as a “Daruma Temple,” thanks to its Daruma Hall, which houses over 3,000 diverse Daruma statues.
On the middle slope of Mt. Kannon, part of the temple’s Okunoin (inner sanctuary), overlooking the town of Kamioka, stands a gigantic 8.9-meter-tall statue of Bodhidharma, also known as the “Tachidaruma” (the standing Daruma). This statue was created in 1973 and modeled after a Bodhidharma painting by the renowned monk Kojun Kyugaku, who later served as deputy head chief of Eiheiji Temple. He left many paintings and calligraphy works for the people of Kamioka during his stay with Daijun Sotan, the 20th head priest of the temple.
The temple grounds also house Konpirado Hall, where the Konpira Daigongen and Akiba Daigongen deities are enshrined. In February, the Hida Kamioka Hatsu Konpira Yoi Festival is held. During this festival, locally crafted floats created by volunteer groups parade through the streets of Kamioka toward Konpirado Hall, led by a sacred talisman from Shikoku’s Kotohira-gu Shrine.
One of Hida Furukawa’s biggest annual events is the Furukawa Festival, held in April every year, which sees beautifully decorated floats (yatai) paraded through the city — but what happens to them during the rest of the year? There are 10 storehouses (屋台蔵, yatai-gura) aroun...
This little unassuming store along a Hida Furukawa backstreet is well worth seeking out on your Hida travels. If not to chance your luck by observing a live demonstration of Mishima-san making his Japanese candles (Wa-rousoku) inside the entrance, then just to meet and admire his incredible passi...
