Makamikoji Temple

The temple is said to have been founded when En no Gyohaku, during his ascetic practices on Mount Ishizuchi, attained enlightenment of Shoujō Kongō Gongen (a manifestation of the deity) and carved an image of the deity to enshrine it. Later, Ishisen built a hall, and following the fulfillment of a prayer for the recovery of Emperor Kanmu's illness, the temple was granted the title of Imperially Commissioned Temple and the name 'Kinshoin Makamikoji' (Golden Court Makamikoji). Although it was once closed during the Meiji era due to the Separation of Shinto and Buddhism edict, it was later revived and became the head temple of the Sekko sect of Shingon Buddhism.