Komyoji Temple

Komyoji is a temple of the Jodo Seizan Zenrinji school in Higashi-tsuchido-cho, Onomichi. Its formal name is Seijozan Hodoin Komyoji.

It is said to have been founded in the Jowa era (834–847) by Jikaku Daishi, also known as Ennin. At the end of the Kamakura period it converted to the Jodo school and prospered with the faith of navy commanders active on the Seto Inland Sea and wealthy Onomichi merchants. Halfway up Mt. Senkoji, it is one of the temples that has watched over Onomichi's harbor for centuries.

One reason Komyoji is well known is its wooden standing statue of the Thousand-Armed Kannon, an Important Cultural Property (the Naniwake Kannon). The name Naniwake, "parting the waves," comes from a legend that the statue protected ships at sea by parting rough waves.

When shipping on the Seto Inland Sea was at its height, Onomichi thrived as a hub of trade and transport, and this statue was special to the people who made their living at sea. It is still carefully kept at the temple, and you can view it in the treasure hall by advance reservation (fee charged).

If you want to see this cultural property, contact Komyoji directly before your visit to confirm availability and dates.

The grounds of Komyoji are quiet and calm, quite unlike the bustle of touristy Senkoji. With the main hall, priests' quarters and treasure hall, the grounds are not too large and suit an unhurried visit.

From some spots in the grounds you can see stone steps, paved lanes and the Onomichi townscape. On the route up Mt. Senkoji, stopping at each temple along the way, it is a place to pause and take in the view. There are fewer visitors than at busy Senkoji, so you can pray in peace.

Visiting the main hall is free, and you can walk around the grounds freely (only the treasure hall requires separate arrangements).

Komyoji is one of the main temples on Onomichi's Temple Walk. From the north exit of JR Onomichi Station, you climb slopes and steps heading east, pass Jikoji and continue a little further east. It sits partway along the walking route that continues to Hodoji and Senkoji.

If you walk the whole course, Komyoji is near the halfway point. By the time you arrive, pleasantly tired with Senkoji not far ahead, a short rest in the quiet grounds feels welcome.

Komyoji is part of the Temple Walk stamp rally, so if you carry a stamp card you can get a stamp here too. See the Onomichi guide for more.

About 12–15 minutes on foot east from the north exit of JR Onomichi Station, up slopes and steps. It is further east past Jikoji. You can stop here naturally while walking toward Mt. Senkoji.

Visiting hours are roughly 9:00–17:00. Visiting the main hall and walking the grounds are free. Viewing the Naniwake Kannon (Important Cultural Property) requires separate arrangements, so contact the temple in advance if you wish to see it.

The route is full of slopes and steps, so wear comfortable shoes.