A Shingon Chizan-branch temple in Katsunuma-cho, Koshu City, fondly known as the 'Grape Temple.' According to tradition, it was founded in 718 by the monk Gyoki after he received a divine message from Yakushi Nyorai holding a bunch of grapes. The main hall (Yakushido) is designated a National Treasure, a rare surviving example of late Kamakura-period architecture. The principal image — a seated Ya…

According to tradition, the temple was founded in 718 by the monk Gyoki, who during ascetic practice at this site received a divine vision of Yakushi Nyorai holding a bunch of grapes and subsequently erected a hall in the deity's honor. This fusion of grape cultivation and Yakushi faith gave rise to…