Kabusanji Temple

Konponsan Kabusanji, tucked in the mountains of Takatsuki City, was founded in 697 by the ascetic En no Gyoja. As the first sacred site in Japan to enshrine Bishamonten, it holds three Bishamonten statues as its principal images. Prince Kaijo revived it as a Buddhist temple in 774, and in its founding era it ranked among the 'Seven High Mountains' alongside Mt. Hiei and Mt. Katsuragi as an imperially designated prayer site. From the Kamakura through Sengoku periods, it was protected by the Ashikaga, Toyotomi, and Tokugawa clans as land where a warrior deity resided, drawing many Osaka merchants who traveled up the Yodo River to pay their respects. It continues an unbroken tradition of daily prayer through its 'Bishamon Fudo Goma' fire ritual, and is also known as a scenic spot for fresh greenery in spring and autumn foliage.