Oyamadera

Oyama-dera is said to have been founded in 755 AD by Ryoben Sojo, who also founded Todai-ji Temple in Nara. The Fudo Myo-o, or acala statue, is the main object of worship at this Buddhist temple. The statue, 2.87 meters high, has astounding presence with its domineering eyes and overbearingness. Because of its strong spiritual power and benefits, the temple gained many worshippers including samurai warriors and was beloved as ”The Acala of Oyama.” One of three main Buddhist temples in the Kanto region having acala as the main object of worship, its Fudo Myo-o Ni-doji-zo (Acala accompanied by two children) is an Important Cultural Property. Prayer rituals called ”Kawarake-nage” are held by which good luck is attained if one can successfully pass through the ring (fukuwa), 2.5 meters in diameter. Red maple leaves during autumn on the approach to the Main Hall attract crowds during the Momiji Festival held from early November to early December. To get here, take a bus from Isehara Station on the Odakyu Odawara Line and get off at Oyama Cable bus stop, then take the Oyama Cable Car leading to Oyama-dera Station and walk about three minutes.