Dreaming about a trip to a cosy, authentic Japanese hot spring town? Kinosaki Onsen's public baths have long been known for their healing abilities and this is where much of the town's fame first came from. You can see proof of the miracles these waters have performed at Onsenji Temple.

According to Dochi Shonin, the Buddhist saint who founded Kinosaki Onsen, this temple was initially opened in 738 AD and, since its opening, has shared a millennia-long history alongside the town. The temple not only acts as a place for devotion but is also said to provide prosperity for the onsen town by ensuring the abundance of the gushing spring water.

Legend has it that Dochi Shonin desired to cure humanity of suffering, and, upon arriving in this area, resolved to pray for 1,000 consecutive days. His prayers were answered, and water suddenly rushed from the ground. Thoroughly inspired by this miracle, Onsenji Temple and Kinosaki Onsen were both opened.

Onsenji Temple is notable not only for its history but for what's enshrined as well. At the centre of the temple's inner sanctuary stands its principal statue juichimen kanzeon bosatsu (Eleven-Headed Bodhisattva of Compassion and Mercy). This figure was made 1,300 years ago and has been designated an Important Cultural Property by the nation.

Ordinarily, this statue is hidden away in an altar case and is only visible to the public for 3 years at a time every 33 years. The statue is currently on display from 2018 to 2021. This is the last year for people to be able to see the statue for another three decades, and it will only remain displayed until October 31st! This is a rare opportunity, as most people only have the chance to see it a maximum of 2 or 3 times during their lifetime.

Onsenji Temple is cherished by residents of and visitors to Kinosaki, and has become the centrepiece for various holidays in the area. Perhaps the most distinct of these holidays is the Kinosaki Onsen Festival held in spring.

This period coincides with a memorial service immortalizing the memory of founder Dochi Shonin on the anniversary of his death. Alongside this solemn ceremony, the rest of town celebrates the Onsen Festival as a way to express its gratitude to the onsen.

The monks of Onsenji have a procession through the streets, visiting each public bath to offer their blessings. There is a mochi-throwing tradition, and the rare principal statue at the temple is partly shown to the public. In the evening, food and game stalls are set up along the Otanigawa River, and a stage is placed in the centre of town for performances.

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