Nariaiji Temple

Nariaiji, said to have been founded in 704, is the 28th temple on the Saigoku pilgrimage; its principal image, a Sacred Kannon, is kept hidden from view. To the right of the stone steps up to the main hall hangs the Bell That Is Never Rung — a sad story attaches to it, that the cry of a child who died in an accident during its casting can be heard in the tone, so it was left silent. Inside the hall, to the right of the inner sanctuary, is a dragon carved facing straight out, attributed to Hidari Jingoro. A kilometre above the temple, the panoramic lookout on the summit of Mount Nariai gives a full 360-degree sweep over Aso Bay and Amanohashidate. Since 2015 the temple has also been lit up during the autumn foliage season.