Japan Travel: Soaking up the History at the Temples in Bessho Onsen Town, Nagano60 Moopon

Bessho Onsen (別所温泉), located just outside of central Ueda City in Nagano Prefecture, is more than just a small hot spring resort town. Though the town’s sulfurous healing waters are well-known as being the oldest onsen (hot spring) in the region, this town has a rich cultural history as well. During the Kamakura Period (1192-1333), Bessho Onsen served as the headquarters of the governor of the Shinshu Region (today's Nagano Prefecture). The governor built temples and brought Kamakura culture to the mountain town. Thus, Bessho Onsen became the prosperous center of education and religion, and earned the nickname "Kamakura of Shinshu".

Anrakuji, the oldest standing Zen Temple in this region, was the center of learning and culture. This temple houses a three-storied wooden octagonal pagoda, the last pagoda of this style in Japan. Built in the Chinese Sung architectural style, the pagoda is three storied, but with the eaves known as mokoshi on the first floor, the pagoda gives the appearance of being four storied. It has been designated as a National Treasure.

Facility Information
Hours: Standard Hours 8:00 to 17:00
November to February 8:00 to 16:00
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: 300 yen
Note: an English leaflet is available for a nominal fee

Visitors may wish to visit Kitamuki Kannon Temple as well. This temple's main object of worship is the statue of Kannon, the Buddhist goddess of mercy. Most temples in Japan are constructed to face south, Kitamuki Kannon faces north, directly facing the Buddha statue at Zenkoji Temple in Nagano City. Also, it is Kitamuki Kannon answers prayers for this life rather than for the next life, another unusual point in Japanese Buddhism.

Facility Information
Hours: Always open
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: Free

Related to the Kitamuki Kannon Temple, Jorakuji was built by Jikaku Daishi, a Buddhist priest of the Tendai Sect and head priest at Enryakuji Temple in Kyoto. Unusual for a temple, Jorakuji Temple has a thatched roof. Visitors will find a small art museum within the grounds. Within the art museum are ema (wooden plaques) painted by the famous artist Hokusai.

Facility Information
Hours: Standard Hours 9:00 to 17:00
October to March 9:00 to 16:00
Closed: Opened All Year Round
Admission: 100 yen (main hall)
500 yen (museum)




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