Natadera Temple
Also written: 那谷寺 · 纳塔德拉寺
An ancient temple set in a beauty of rocky landscapes, where craggy rocks and autumn foliage create a striking contrast; a serene scene in harmony with nature.
An Illustrated Japan / Ishikawa / Famous Views
About this place
Natadera Temple in Komatsu City, Ishikawa, postal 923-0336 Yu122 Natamachi, is a 1,300-year-old independent temple of Koyasan Shingon sect designated Betsu-kaku Honzan, founded traditionally in 717 by monk Taicho as Hakusan worship hermitage. Its name was changed in 986 by Emperor Kazan visiting, combining N from Nachi first temple of Saigoku 33 and Tani from Tanigumi 33rd, earlier called Jisho-zan Iwaya-ji. Its mountainside incorporates natural limestone caves once used for mountain ascetic shugen rituals representing womb passage for symbolic death and rebirth; today visitors walk through main hall Daihikaku cave for rebirth experience. Main hall structure consists of three parts: main shrine in cave 1597, kara-mon gate, and worship hall. Additions by 3rd Kaga lord Maeda Toshitsune after 1642 include three-story pagoda 1642, goma-do and bell tower both 1649, shoin and kuri circa 1649, seven buildings listed as Important Cultural Properties. Garden Kuri garden is National Place of Scenic Beauty, and Kigan Yusenkya rugged rocks are special scenic background white rock cliff created by ancient sea volcanic eruption and long erosion. Matsuo Basho visited 1689 during Oku no Hosomichi detour, composing haiku Ishi-yama no ishi yori shiroshi aki no kaze carved on monument. Main Kannon is hidden image opened every 33 years, last in 2017. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship. Visitors enjoy seasonal changes, local food specialties, and easy access via public transport or rental car. Please respect private lands and carry out trash. The site remains a living cultural landscape, its beauty sustained by ongoing community stewardship.
