Gunma

Kashouzan in Gunma

Giant Tengu masks in a mountain temple

Rufus Starbuck Oct 07, 2014 - 2 min read

<p>A bearded Tengu watches from up high</p>

<p>A large statue greets you as you finally reach the top of the access road</p>

<p>One of a pair of stone guardians at the top of the entrance stairs. The long nosed style tengu</p>

<p>Intricate carvings above the bell in front of Tengu Hall</p>

<p>Say a prayer in a Tengu mask. Should it come true you come back and purchase another one.</p>

<p>Giant lanterns inside the Tengu Hall</p>

<p>One of the pair of giants masks that stare at you as you enter Tengu Hall</p>

<p>The temple courtyard on a wet autumn day</p>

<p>An pedestrian underpass goes under the wooden walk way that connects two part of the temple.</p>

<p>You can wander the temple grounds and even climb the path to the top of the peak</p>

<p>The temple is built up the side of the mountain. Stone steps lead you up to a different area.</p>

A short drive into the mountains of Gunma from Numata IC off the Kanetsu Expressway is the mountain Kashouzan. Follow a winding road up the slopes through the forest and after a twisty drive you come to a temple with a famous Tengu Hall. It is a pretty drive up and must be even better when the autumn colors are at their finest. The temple itself is also really quaint. It's main building is built up the hillside so the monks must get a good workout on the stairs. There is plenty to explore and you can even climb to the top of the peak. It was a wet day when we went, so we stayed in the main precinct, though would like to go back to see a bit more.

The Tengu Hall is the main attraction. It is quite dim with two massive paper lanterns providing the lighting. Tengu masks of all sizes glower at you from all sides. Say a prayer while wearing a Tengu mask, and should it come true, you are supposed to return and purchase another one. A monk sits to one side with an impressive selection of Tengu souvenirs should you require. Even the vending machine outside the main temple office is painted to look like a Tengu.