The temple is widely known as the 'Tengu Temple' due to the massive collection of donated tengu masks housed on the premises.
It is an official training site for the Soto sect of Zen Buddhism.
The giant tengu mask on display is considered one of the largest in Japan, symbolizing the strength and protective power of the legendary creatures.
Kashozan has historically functioned as a site for 'tengu-kito,' a specialized ritual prayer conducted to grant wishes and ensure safety.
The surrounding cedar forest is home to century-old trees that contribute to the temple's designation as a protected landscape area.
Kashozan Ryugein Mirokugokokuzen Temple is a historic Buddhist site in Numata, Gunma, famously dedicated to the worship of Tengu, the legendary bird-like spirits of Japanese folklore. The temple grounds house an immense collection of tengu masks, including a famous oversized red mask that serves as the temple's signature talisman. Founded in the 9th century, the temple serves as a center for prayers related to warding off evil and achieving personal wishes. The main hall and surrounding structures are nestled into a wooded mountainside, creating a secluded environment for spiritual practice. Visitors frequently arrive to offer talismans or seek blessings for protection and successful outcomes in various life endeavors.
In front of the main temple entrance where the large red tengu mask is displayed.
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes as the temple grounds feature stone paths and moderate elevation changes.
Check the temple's specialized schedule for ritual prayer sessions if you wish to participate in a formal ceremony.
Allocate extra time to explore the peripheral shrine structures located further up the mountainside.
Attempting to visit during heavy winter snowfall when mountain access roads may be restricted or hazardous.
Open year-round, though access may be limited during severe weather events or heavy mountain snow in mid-winter.
Maintain silence inside the main hall, remove footwear before entering interior wooden floors, and refrain from photographing inner sanctums.
