Jion-ji Temple
慈恩寺
An ancient temple in the hills of Sagae whose main hall and many Buddhist statues are Important Cultural Properties, known as the treasure house of the Tohoku region.
According to tradition, Jion-ji was founded in 724 on imperial command from Emperor Shōmu, and it was once one of the largest temples in the Dewa region. Its precincts are now designated a National Historic Site. The main hall, rebuilt in 1618 by the Mogami family, lords of Yamagata, is an Important Cultural Property. The temple houses several important Buddhist statues, including works from the Kamakura period, which can be viewed for a fee at the Hōzō-in and the main hall. The grounds include a three-storey pagoda and ancient trees, creating a tranquil atmosphere with fewer visitors than Yamadera. It is a 20-minute walk from JR Uzen-Takamatsu Station, or about 35 minutes by car from Yamagata.
Opening hours
Approx. 08:30–16:00
Nearby sights
- Tendo Onsen & Shogi Town
- Higashizawa Rose Park
- Kajo Park (Yamagata Castle Ruins)
- Bunshokan
- Nanokamachi Gotenzeki
- Yamadera (Risshaku-ji)
- Kaminoyama Onsen & Castle
- Zao Onsen