The main hall of Kanshinji Temple

During the Nara period (646-794 A.D.) sorcerer and ascetic Enno Ozunu founded this temple, and in the year 827 a disciple of Kobo Daishi (one of the priests who popularized Buddhism in Japan), Jitsu-e, constructed the temple buildings. This temple was a place of study for the young Kusunoki Masashige, and is known to have been strongly linked to the southern court of the imperial house. It is also famous for its spring plums and cherry blossoms, the rich reds and browns of the autumn leaves, and its spectacular winter snowscape.　Inside the spacious precinct of the temple, the overall structure and design is traditional Japanese style, but a closer inspection reveals many details and elements taken from Zen Buddhism, which illustrates the spirit of compromise and syncretism of the era. The main hall has been designated as a national treasure, and in addition there are many other important cultural properties, including unfinished pagodas built by the Kusunoki family.