Gankoji Temple

Gankoji Temple in Mitake, Gifu, is a Tendai sect temple traditionally founded in 815 by Saicho (Dengyo Daishi), who enshrined a Yakushi Nyorai image to help people suffering from epidemic disease. Known as 'Kani Yakushi' (Crab Medicine Buddha) and the 'Shosoin of Mino,' the temple has drawn devoted worship since the Heian period. Burned down in 1572 during the Sengoku wars, it was rebuilt in 1581 through donations from local farming communities. The main hall and numerous Buddhist images are designated Important Cultural Properties; the spring Mitake Yakushi Festival is a Prefecture-designated Intangible Folk Cultural Property.