sakae yamadera

Eisan-ji, bearing the mountain name Gakushosan, is a temple of the Shingon Buzan sect in Gojo, Nara Prefecture. Founded in 719 (Yoro 3) by Fujiwara no Muchimaro, the eldest son of Fujiwara no Fuhito, it was initially called Sakiyama-dera. After Muchimaro's death, his son Fujiwara no Nakamaro built the octagonal hall to pray for his father's repose — this structure is now a National Treasure. The temple bell is also a National Treasure, celebrated as one of the Three Bells of the Heian Period. During the Northern and Southern Courts era, it served as the temporary imperial residence. The temple continues to stand quietly in Gojo as a living testament to Nara-period architecture.